Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on Wednesday night that he hasn’t made a decision about whether he will return from a torn Achilles tendon this season.
“[I want] to get it right the first time, so it’s just a lot to think about,” Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum Continues To Make Progress
NBA insider Chris Haynes also reported Wednesday that Tatum is reevaluating the idea about sitting out the rest of the season and that his return is now considered “up in the air.”
Although Tatum doesn’t have a definitive timeline for his return to game action, the six-time All-Star has made steady progress since undergoing a successful surgery during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tatum was filmed playing 1-on-1 at the Auerbach Center in December. Head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters after a practice then that it’s up to Tatum on whether or not he decides to play this season.
Sources: Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles recovery) is re-evaluating his situation and is now considering sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. Final decision has yet to be determined. pic.twitter.com/Z8CcVjFSIr
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 29, 2026
“It’s all up to him,” Mazzulla said. “At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing, his process is the most important thing. You trust him, trust the team that’s around him — he’s got a great team — and you just kind of go from there. So, kind of just all starts about where him and his team think he’s at.”
A source told Shelburne that Tatum went through a full workout in front of reporters in Detroit last week and “has been increasing his workload of late.”
That report ultimately prompted speculation that Tatum was closer to a late-season return. Rumors in December also circulated in the NBA community that Tatum could return later in the season.
Tatum Led Celtics To 2024 NBA Title
Tatum was named to his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team last season, making him one of just 43 players in the history of the league to have made that many.
His 42-point outing in Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks was also the fifth time in his career he put up at least 40 in a postseason game, tying him with Hall of Famers Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most in Celtics history.
In addition, Tatum led the Celtics in points, rebounds, and assists during Boston’s 2023-24 title run. He’s also second only to LeBron James in total playoff points scored through the age of 27, per ESPN Stats & Information.
The Celtics (29-18) are tied with the Knicks for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, so it’s not like Boston has been struggling without Tatum.
The 6-foot-8 wing should take his time coming back.
