Celtics cautious on Jayson Tatum's Achilles return for late season

Jayson Tatum posted a short video Thursday showing himself dunking at the Boston Celtics practice facility, a milestone that comes less than five months after he tore his right Achilles tendon in the playoffs and underwent surgery. The clip and other recent workout footage have prompted the team and outside observers to temper earlier expectations that Tatum would miss the entire 2025-26 season, with team officials and an NBA insider saying the Celtics have not ruled out a late-season return.

Tatum ruptured the Achilles during Boston's second-round playoff loss in May and had surgery within about 18 hours. Achilles ruptures typically require nine to 12 months of recovery, but Tatum has repeatedly posted videos and taken part in on-court work that the organization and teammates describe as encouraging. NBA insider Shams Charania said during a recent broadcast appearance, "The Celtics haven't ruled out Jayson Tatum for the season and they're cautiously optimistic." Charania added that multiple doctor clearances will be required before any return.

Tatum himself has not closed the door on a comeback. He told television interviewers last month, "I haven't said I'm not playing this...