Celtics' Jayson Tatum Feels 'No Pressure' to Return from Achilles Injury in 2025-26

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum told reporters on Monday that he feels "no pressure" to return from his Achilles injury during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the Celtics' second-round playoff defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks on May 12. He underwent surgery the next day.

Shortly after the injury occurred, Tatum's father told ESPN's Marc J. Spears that he expected his son to be out eight to nine months.

The forward provided an optimistic update on Sept. 23, revealing that he wasn't ruling out a return during the 2025-26 season during an appearance on First Take.

"The most important thing is a full recovery. And I'm not rushing it ... at all," Tatum said. "But also, I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing."

On June 25, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens also told reporters that Tatum was progressing well in his recovery.

While Boston won't want to risk rushing the six-time All-Star back onto the floor, his presence is also crucial for the team's overall success.

Tatum wrapped up a 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 26.8 points and 8.7 rebounds to go along with a career-high 6.0 assists per game. He shot 45.2 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point territory, finishing No. 4 in MVP voting as the Celtics recorded 61 wins.

The 27-year-old also stepped up during Boston's 2025 playoff run, recording 28.1 points per game on 42.3/37.2/88.9 shooting splits.

Until Tatum steps back on the floor, Jaylen Brown will continue to lead the Celtics' offense.