The NBA Analytics Network learns about the best and worst scenarios of Jayson Tatum.
The Boston Celtics were hit with a brutal blow in Game 4 as Jason Tatum burst his right Achilles tendon.
Despite losing Tatum in the series, the Celtics were able to register a dominant 127-102 victory for the New York Knicks in Game 5.
The Celtics are still facing a 3-2 deficit, but Tatum had surgery to repair his Achilles tendon. But what is the ideal return timetable for Tatum? NBA Analytics Network I spoke to Dr. Derek Ochiai only and learned the best and worst scenarios for a 27-year-old.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant enjoyed a 20-year stint in the NBA. Mamba won five NBA championships during the process, but he was in his own shell for the Twilight years of his career.
why? Well, Kobe tore his Achilles tendon in 2013. Dr. Ochiai believes that Tatum suffered this injury in his 20s rather than in his 30s is a positive sign.
“This was a serious injury. The typical timeline for returning to the NBA after a ruptured Achilles tendon repair is around 9-12 months. Many players return to the NBA after a surgical repair, but they may lose explosiveness (temporarily or permanently),” he said.
“Tatum is relatively young at age 27, so this is a positive prognostic factor for his recovery. Kobe Bryant was 34 when he recovered for about eight months and returned for two seasons after recovering.
“There have been progress in repairing Achilles’ tendons, and the structure of repair has become stronger,” added Dr. Ochiai.
Despite being in his 30s, Bryant returned to court less than a year later. He was effectively out of his prime, but he still hopes that Tatum will regain his pre-judgment form.
Well, will you come just a matter of time? When will Tatum be cleared due to basketball activities? Well, Dr. Ochiai provided the Celtic Star with two return timetables.
The best scenario is “the latest one I expect Jason Tatum to play. February 2026.”
But what about the worst case scenario? Dr. Ochiai added: “It could be closed for the entire 2025-26 season.”
According to data provided by Sofascore, Tatum averaged 23.0 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game during the regular season and playoffs.
Will he manage to regain his form and one day lead the Celtics to another NBA title? Only time can be seen.