Jayson Tatum Has 'Progressed Great' Since Surgery for Injury, Says Celtics' Stevens

Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is just over a month removed from undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles, and even though he's moving in the right direction, the team won't rush his return to the court.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters after the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday night that Tatum's recovery will require patience.

"We don't and we won't," Stevens said when asked if the team has an expected timeline for Tatum's recovery. "We won't put a projected timeline on him for a long, long time. … It's baby steps right now. He's actually progressed great, but I don't know what that means in regard to projected timelines. But that will be in consultation with him … and everybody else to make sure when he hits the court, he is fully ready, and fully healthy. And that will be the priority."

Tatum suffered the injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12 and underwent surgery the next day. He's likely to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

The impending absence of their best player has already led to major changes for the Celtics. Veteran point guard Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, and center Kristaps Porzingis was sent to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team trade on Tuesday. Both moves shed significant salary, alleviating some of Boston's cap constraints.

In addition to Tatum's surgery, Celtics star shooting guard Jaylen Brown also underwent a procedure to clean up his right knee. Stevens said he's already been back to the training facility and has participated in some light workouts.

"We said be ready for training camp, and I think he'll probably be going full well ahead of that," Stevens said.

The future is a little murky for the Celtics while Tatum is sidelined, but it will be up to Brown to lead the team next season in the wide open Eastern Conference.