Jayson Tatum has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but the Celtics star is ready to take on the challenge.
Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon Monday night at Madison Square Garden and promptly underwent surgery to repair the injury Tuesday. After an emotional day-plus, the six-time All-Star spoke out and thanked his fans for their love and support.
Boston’s franchise cornerstone expressed similar appreciation over text with Reggie Miller, who was on the call for TNT’s broadcast of the Celtics’ Game 5 win over the New York Knicks at TD Garden on Wednesday. The legendary sharpshooter shed light on Tatum’s mindset heading into rehab.
“He texted me and I was talking to him earlier, seeing mentally where he was,” Miller said. “I said, ‘Is there anything you want to tell your fans?’ He was like, ‘Look, I’m devastated by this and I appreciate all of the love and support from everyone.’ But he wanted people to know, ‘This injury will not define me and I can’t wait to be back in Celtic Green to show you why.’”
While many assumed the injury would wipe out Tatum’s entire 2025-26 season, that might not be the case. Although the Celtics didn’t provide a timetable for the 27-year-old’s return, Tatum’s father indicated his son will be sidelined for “eight to nine months.”
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