When Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals back in May, it was widely assumed that he would be unavailable for the 2025-26 NBA season. But he apparently isn’t ruling out a return to action at some point during the upcoming campaign.
Jayson Tatum Hoping To Make Comeback During 2025-26 NBA Season
In a handful of recent sit down interviews, Tatum spoke candidly about the injury that ended his season and Boston’s title hopes. He touched on his immediate feelings following the disheartening Achilles tear, and spoke about his rehab process.
But the most important bit of information that he gave was the fact that he is hoping to make a comeback at some point over the next eight months:
“First thing, I haven’t said I’m not playing this season…Myself, my trainer, my close friends, my mom. I told them a while ago that I put a date on the calendar of when I will be 100% ready and able to play”
He added that he wouldn’t be rushing anything, but said that doesn’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing. He’d also like his comeback to happen in front of the home fans at TD Garden in Boston.
"Whenever that date is, it will be a home game in front of the fans at TD Garden." 🙌
—Jayson Tatum on when he plans to return from his injury. pic.twitter.com/tOu1i26ghD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 23, 2025
The injury to Jayson Tatum in last year’s playoffs dashed the Celtics’ hopes in a season in which they were the favorites to win the NBA championship. They wound up losing to the New York Knicks and falling short of their goal, and the roster underwent some serious changes during the offseason. Guys like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis are gone, as is veteran Al Horford.
Given their depleted roster and the prospect of Tatum missing the entire upcoming season, the Celtics are not considered contenders by anyone. When it comes to the betting odds, they are listed at +8000 (1.23% implied odds), which puts them behind teams like Pistons, Spurs, 76ers, and even Mavericks.
