As his grueling rehabilitation from an Achillies injury in Game 4 of the NBA East Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks continues, St. Louis-born NBA star Jayson Tatum says his son Deuce has been an inspiration.
“We were sitting on the couch watching some of my high school and college highlights and I asked him ‘You think Daddy’s going to come back and be able to do that again?’” Tatum shared with ESPN NBA Today host Malika Andrews.
“In an innocent way, he looked at me and said, ‘Of course.’ I really needed that.”
Tatum’s torn Achilles tendon ended his season, and his Boston Celtics would be bounced from the playoffs by the Knicks in Game 6.
The former Chaminade High School and Duke University blue-chip player, who is now among the highest-paid NBA stars, thinks his injury cost his team the series.
“I’ve played this in my head a thousand times; what happens if I never got hurt?” Tatum said on ESPN.
“I’m not going to say what would’ve happened, but I just know I’ve been down 3-2 on the road three times in my career, and I was 3-0.”
Tatum is steadfast that he could return to action before the end of the 2025-26 season. He is at a new benchmark in his recovery.
He wants to “gradually keep increasing, ramping up.”
“It’s been a long, long journey,” he said.
“I reflect on the surgery. Then you get the stitches out, to (removing) the walking boot. At four weeks, you’re at 50% of weight bearing.
“The important thing is full recovery, making sure I’m 100% healthy before I step back out on the floor.”
He had his first on-court workout last week, which he called “a relief.”
Tatum said he has confided in his mom, trainers, and friends that he will have a date marked on the calendar for his return. He has not set the date, but he has a plan.
“Whenever that day is, it will be at a home game before the fans at the TD Garden,” he said.
Tatum recorded a stellar 2024-25 regular season and had the Celtics primed for a chance to repeat as NBA Finals champions. In 72 games, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and six assists.
Tatum posted 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists in eight games in the 2025 playoffs before his injury.
Should he return before season’s end, he will rejoin a different Celtics team than the one he left in May during the playoffs.
Gone are Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis from the roster that won the 2023-24 title.
Bench players Luke Kornet, Al Horford and Torrey Craig are on new teams, while the Celtics added Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher and Luka Garza.
“I’m super excited about this team we have. Throughout this business, throughout the NBA, there is always going to be change,” he said.
“You won’t be able to keep the same team forever. Now it’s a new chapter, a new journey, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”
Tatum sounds determined to play again once spring 2026 rolls in. I would not bet against it.
The Reid Roundup
The first of the 14 Black quarterbacks who started Week 1 in the NFL to be benched is Russell Wilson. The New York Giants tabbed rookie Jaxson Dart as starter for the remainder of the year…Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will miss a second game with a sprained knee. He says his return is up to team doctors…Michael Penix was awful in the Atlanta Falcons’ 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was replaced in the game by Kirk Cousins. Coach Raheem Morris says Penix is in no danger of losing his starting role…Add another Black QB starter to the 2025 mix. Veteran Tyrod Taylor stepped in for the New York Jets last week as starter Justin Fields recovered from a concussion…According to NFL.com QB rankings, Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson is No. 3, followed by Kansas City Chiefs signal caller Patrick Mahomes at No. 4. They square off on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium…Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is also in the Top 10. He is ranked No. 6.