The Boston Celtics are facing a major question this season regarding the return of superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks in May. While Tatum has a potential return date in mind, the Celtics have refrained from providing a concrete timeline for his comeback to game action.
In a recent episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” NBA insider Zach Lowe discussed the ongoing speculation about Tatum’s return, emphasizing that even if he plays this season, fans should not expect him to immediately regain his All-Star performance. “What does he look like if he came back this season? We cannot just project like, ‘Oh, yeah, First-Team, All-NBA. Jayson Tatum is coming right in for the playoff race.’ That’s not realistic at all,” Lowe stated.
As of now, the Celtics hold an 11-9 record as they navigate the early part of the 2025-26 season. Many observers, including Lowe, have been pleasantly surprised by the team’s performance, particularly in the offensive department. Despite significant offseason changes, which included the trade of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston has managed to remain competitive, currently sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
With plenty of basketball still left to play this season, the Celtics are committed to taking a cautious approach regarding Tatum’s return, emphasizing that his health is the priority, irrespective of the team’s standing in the playoff race. The situation remains fluid, and fans of the Celtics will be eagerly watching for any updates on Tatum’s recovery and return to the court.