Jayson Tatum has been out of action for about 9 months after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during the NBA semifinals against the New York Knicks in May 2025. It was a crushing blow for the Boston Celtics and for a player who was coming off a championship run.
But the six-time NBA All-Star has attacked rehab with the same intensity he brings to the court, and the results have turned heads across the league. Now, Tatum is back with another set of snapshots from the court, and the NBA world could not help but buzz about what it might mean for his comeback timeline.
Jayson Tatum’s Latest Practice Snapshots Have NBA World Buzzing
Tatum has consistently shared videos and photos of his workouts, giving fans a close look at his recovery process. His smooth footwork, confident jumpers, and strong finishes have fueled growing belief that the 2024 NBA champion could return late in the 2025-26 season.
There is no official update on that front, but his latest practice pictures have surely made the NBA world optimistic about his return. Tatum was seen doing a five-on-five workout with his Celtics teammates.
FanSided contributor Colin Keane wrote:
“Right calf muscle still a year+ away from full strength. JT is the man for working this hard to come back … just a reminder to Celtics supporters that he shouldn’t be expected to be ‘MVP Tatum’ again anytime soon. 75% of Tatum is still better than most of the NBA.”
Right calf muscle still a year+ away from full strength.
JT is the man for working this hard to come back … just a reminder to Celtics supporters that he shouldn’t be expected to be “MVP Tatum” again anytime soon.
75% of Tatum is still better than most of the NBA. https://t.co/KXElsY3B75 pic.twitter.com/qnmRrXzroF
— Colin Keane (@colinkeane_) February 21, 2026
Keith Smith of Spotrac added:
“With consecutive days off, Boston had a day for a full practice. Looks like a familiar face was part of that session. Take a look at the picture where Jayson Tatum is driving on Luka Garza. There’s time on the game clock and shot clock. That means this was likely at least a simulated game.”
With consecutive days off, Boston had a day for a full practice. Looks like a familiar face was part of that session.
Take a look at the picture where Jayson Tatum is driving on Luka Garza. There’s time on the game clock and shot clock. That means this was likely at least a… https://t.co/oeQ3y77MNo
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 21, 2026
Poly Market Hoops echoed the sentiment:
“Jayson Tatum is doing 5-on-5 with the team… his return is inevitable 👀”
Jayson Tatum is doing 5-on-5 with the team… his return is inevitable 👀 pic.twitter.com/QrIwYk9igp
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) February 21, 2026
Legion Hoops joined the conversation, posting:
“Jayson Tatum practicing with the Celtics team… return soon? 👀”
“TATUM AT CELTICS PRACTICE. 👀”
Tatum has been with the Celtics for all eight years of his NBA career. Boston selected the St. Louis, Missouri native with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Any prospect of Tatum returning instantly makes the Celtics a serious title contender. However, Tatum himself has not provided a return timeline.
“I do not have a date,” Tatum said of his return. “I just take it one day at a time. I feel better than I did yesterday, and that’s the most important thing.”
Since arriving in Boston, Tatum has grown into the franchise cornerstone and led the team to its 18th NBA title in 2024.
Without him, the Celtics were expected to enter a gap year, but they have fared exceptionally well so far in the 2025-26 season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 36-19 record.
