Jayson Tatum is currently recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in last season’s playoffs.
Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
He is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season to prevent the injury from worsening again.
But recently, a video surfaced of Tatum working out on a basketball court as if he was planning on making a comeback soon.
Derrick White shared his thoughts on Tatum’s rehabilitation after seeing him at the Boston Celtics’ training facility.
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White joked that Tatum already looks like he’s ready to play in the NBA, before praising Tatum’s attitude.
He’s confident the same work ethic that helped Tatum become an NBA superstar will help him make a full recovery.
However, White did not add fuel to the fire regarding Tatum’s potential return later this season.
“Looks like he’s going to play tomorrow. He was really excited to be on the court,” White said. “It’s been a long time for him.
“He’s probably counting down the days until he’s on the court, but yeah, he’s working on the court all the time. He’s kind of crazy.
“I don’t know anything about Achilles’ recovery status or where he should or shouldn’t be. I know he’s out there every day trying to get better.
“He’s doing well and trying to get stronger. He’s just enjoying the journey back as much as you’re enjoying it.”
“You don’t get to the level he got to unless you’re a hard worker. He’s going through the rehab process right now, which was fun to watch.”
“It’s good to see him get back on the court and start to come around a little bit.”
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague predicted what month Jayson Tatum will return to the NBA this season.
He noted that Tatum’s recovery is much more advanced than Tyrese Haliburton and suggested the Celtics could bring him back in February.
“That’s strange. My child is playing,” Teague explained. “Guys, do you think he’ll play this year? Then you can say he’ll play by the deadline…I’m giving him until February. I think he’ll be back in February.”
“I’ve seen Tyrese walk (with a limp). He’s not going to play right away. When you look at (Tatum), something isn’t right.”