Jayson Tatum Progressing Remarkably From Achilles Tear After Thinking of Quitting NBA

Jayson Tatum ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right leg during the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks.

Jayson Tatum Progressing Remarkably From Achilles Tear After Thinking of Quitting NBA

Jayson Tatum recovering faster than usual from Achilles tear (Image via FirstSportz)

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Jayson Tatum was on top of the world when he and his Boston Celtics teammates won the 2024 NBA championship. Almost a year later, he plummeted to the bottom while trying to defend their title.

The 27-year-old was already having a tough time battling the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 playoffs. Many believe the forward did not do his part, at least in the 1st two games of the series.

After winning Game 3 in New York, the Celtics knew they had to win Game 4 if they had to stay in the hunt to defend their crown. With three minutes to go in the game, the Paris Olympics gold medalist went down clutching his right leg.

After being carted off in a wheelchair, it was revealed that he had ruptured his right Achilles tendon. Soon, he was back in Boston and underwent surgery, which essentially ruled him out for a year.

That means it is highly unlikely that he can play in the 2025-26 season. However, his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Martin O’Malley, revealed this while speaking with People magazine:

I don’t think I’ve seen a person’s calf look as strong as his. At six or eight weeks, he was doing double heel rises. He worked his calf so hard that the side effect of loss of strength, I don’t think he’s going to have any.

Dr. Martin O’Malley revealed

If the six-time All-Star were to recover quicker than usual, it means he has a chance of playing next season. However, there is always the fear of trying to rush back to play.

Jayson Tatum reiterates his desire to play next season

Tatum was on a run, speaking with several media outlets, while also taking time to appear on a lot of shows. On one of them, First Take, he outlined his desire to play next season.

I haven’t said I’m not playing this season. The most important thing is a full recovery. Not rushing. But also, I don’t go to rehab six days a week for nothing.

Jayson Tatum said

While saying this, the host of the show, Stephen A. Smith, reiterated the need to let Tatum’s Achilles tendon heal perfectly before even he thinks of donning his Boston Celtics jersey.

If not healed properly, not only will he be at risk, but he could also jeopardize his future. The star still has at least a decade left in the sport, and Celtics fans will be hoping he is healthy to lead them to more championships.

If he recovers fast, there is a chance he will look to rejoin the team, maybe a month before the playoffs. That way, he can take time to get back into rhythm.

Jayson Tatum thought of quitting basketball

A few years ago, mainly older players suffered Achilles tears. Nowadays, young sports stars are struggling with it as well, due to excessive athleticism growing by leaps and bounds.

Jayson Tatum thought of quitting basketball after Achilles tear
Jayson Tatum thought of quitting basketball after Achilles tear (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

Such injuries are devastating to the athlete, as they have to undergo a full year’s recovery before being fit enough to play again. That takes an emotional toll on the said player, and in Jayson Tatum‘s case, he even thought of quitting.

It may sound dramatic, but I remember telling my mom, like, ‘Mom, I might be done. I don’t know if I’ll be able to overcome this or if I’m up for this challenge.’ You know, I just felt defeated. And there was a time I was like, I don’t know if I want to do this anymore.

Jayson Tatum told NBC News

This shows how much of an impact major injuries have on athletes, as a year is taken out of their careers. Thankfully, the Celtics star is back on track and motivated to return sometime later this season.

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