Jayson Tatum Nears NBA Return After 9-Month Achilles Rehab

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is close to returning to NBA action nearly nine months after suffering a serious Achilles tendon injury during last season’s playoffs.

The 28-year-old forward has been listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of the Celtics’ home game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. This is the first time this season that Tatum has not been listed as out while recovering from the injury he suffered in Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks in May 2025.

Tatum underwent surgery on May 13 and has spent the last several months in an intense rehabilitation program. The typical recovery period for an Achilles tendon rupture in basketball is between 9 and 12 months, meaning his return is arriving within the expected timeline.

The Celtics' president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, had earlier stated that Tatum would only return when he was fully ready both physically and mentally. With steady progress in recent weeks, that moment may now be close.

Boston currently holds a 41-21 record and sits second in the Eastern Conference standings. The team has 20 games remaining in the regular season, including 11 home games at TD Garden. Tatum had previously suggested that if he returned this season, he would prefer it to happen during a home game.

During his recovery, Tatum trained six days a week and stayed closely connected with the team, even travelling on road trips while continuing workouts. Three weeks ago, he also participated in a full practice with Boston’s G-League squad as part of the final stages of his recovery.

Despite his progress, Tatum previously said he had not fully decided whether he would return this season, noting that the team has performed well in his absence.

Fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the Celtics’ leader this season, averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, while also becoming one of the league’s top defenders. His outstanding performance has even placed him in early discussions for the NBA MVP race.

Tatum, however, has remained confident about his role and impact. Shortly after his surgery, he made it clear that when he returns, he plans to contribute fully to the team.

If he takes the court on Friday, Tatum will complete his comeback 298 days after surgery, marking a remarkable recovery from one of the most serious injuries in basketball.