Jayson Tatum is already back in the gym just weeks after his season ended with a torn Achilles. On Sunday, the Boston Celtics star posted a video of himself working out while still wearing a walking boot. The injury, suffered during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, forced Tatum into surgery and an uncertain rehab timeline.
Jayson Tatum’s Early Return to the Gym Shows Rehab Progress
Tatum’s postseason run was cut short on May 12 after tearing his Achilles tendon in the series against New York. Less than 24 hours after the injury, he underwent surgery in New York with Dr. Martin O’Malley, a decision praised by Celtics president Brad Stevens as “an amazing set of circumstances.”
Stevens credited the rapid response of the medical team, saying, “So as tough as that injury is and as tough as that was that night, just an amazing set of circumstances, and an amazing thank you from our organization to Dr. O’Malley, the nurses at HSS and everybody there.”
There is no official timeline for Tatum’s return, but he’s taken an active approach to his rehab. On Friday, Tatum posted on X: “Day 45… this is some b—s—.” By Sunday, he had already shared a video of himself doing weighted crunches in a gym, still in the walking boot.
Jayson Tatum in the gym. 🔥🔥
(h/t @lockedupjb)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 30, 2025
Stevens said last week, “We won’t put a projected timeline on him for a long, long time. … It’s baby steps right now. He’s actually progressed great, but I don’t know what that means in regard to projected timelines. But that will be in consultation with him … and everybody else to make sure when he hits the court, he is fully ready, and fully healthy. And that will be the priority.”
Achilles tears typically require 9-12 months for NBA players to return at full strength. With that in mind, Tatum likely won’t play until the second half of the 2025-26 season, but getting back to work this early in his recovery is a good sign.
Celtics Face Offseason Changes As Tatum’s Rehab Continues
With Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday also sidelined, the Celtics have already begun making adjustments to the roster. The team is listening to trade offers for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White as they navigate a transition year.
Tatum has been open about the difficulties of recovery, giving fans a real-time look at the process on social media. The Celtics have not set a date for his return, and the focus remains on making sure he is fully healthy before playing again.
Boston’s quick surgical response, scheduling Tatum’s operation less than a day after the injury, could pay off in the long term. Still, given standard recovery times for an Achilles tear, it would be surprising to see Tatum on the floor before late next season. The Celtics will have to navigate a new lineup and major decisions in the months ahead.
