Jayson Tatum’s return to the floor this NBA 2025-26 season is one of the major talking points as the Boston Celtics prepare for the playoffs. The star forward suffered a torn Achilles tendon last year and has been focused on recovery since.
While not committing to a set return date, his teammate, Derrick White, revealed what it was like to see Tatum move as he nears his season debut.
Derrick White Sheds Light on Jayson Tatum’s Progress Amid Return Timeline Discussion
Per Celtics reporter Justin Turpin, White spoke of Tatum’s return to the court. The guard had a lot of positives to share about his teammate.
“He looks good. Playing, moving. It’s been good to see him back and getting up and down. You kind of see all the work he’s put in to get to this point. And it’s been great to see him be able to do what he loves to do.”
White’s comments came on a night when the Celtics were thoroughly outplayed by the Charlotte Hornets. They went down 118-89, making it their largest loss this season. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 20 points, while White had a solid outing with 29 points. The loss did little to dent their scintillating record, as they are now 41-21 with 20 games remaining.
Tatum has not played competitive basketball since his injury. The estimated recovery timeline for an Achilles rupture is a year, but the All-Star forward was already a full participant in five-on-five skirmishes and is focused on making a return to court sometime this season.
Earlier, speculations were rife that Tatum would likely return to action on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks. “Tatum, it feels like it’s gonna be Friday vs. Dallas. All signs are pointing to Friday, Dallas,” he said on his podcast.
Despite their superstar’s absence, the Celtics have been one of the pleasant surprises this season. What was looked at as a down year for the franchise, with Tatum’s injury and the trading of some of their vital championship pieces in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, has seen a script flip as the side boasts of a stellar record.
The Celtics host the Mavericks next, before hitting the road for a three-game trip. They play the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road and later come West for clashes against the San Antonio Spurs and the OKC Thunder. It remains to be seen if Tatum makes his season debut at some point before their next string of games.
