The Boston Celtics, who cut ties with several important players this summer in an attempt to avoid the dreaded second apron, may have regressed more than any other club this offseason. The Achilles tear suffered by Jayson Tatum, who is anticipated to miss the entire upcoming season due to the injury sustained during the Celtics’ second-round playoff series loss to the New York Knicks, was a major driving force behind this fire sale.
According to @thejaysontatumfoundation on Instagram, via House of Highlights on X, formerly Twitter, Tatum was recently photographed walking without a boot at an event, giving Celtics fans hope that he may recover in time for the 2026–27 season.
It makes sense that Celtics supporters were ecstatic in the comments section.
One fan said, “I hope he returns better than ever.”
His tear wasn’t too big, based on this. Another person conjectured that he would revert to his former self.
This is only a day after Tatum was spotted sans a boot in a St. Louis gym, according to @celtics.everyday on Instagram (via saintlouismbb).
Overall, Tatum’s ability to walk without a boot less than three months after what is likely the most serious leg injury a basketball player can have is encouraging.
An odd moment for the Celtics
With Tatum and Jaylen Brown just entering their prime and the team fresh off a successful playoff run that ended in a 2024 championship, the Celtics were widely considered a possible NBA dynasty only a year ago.
Though it should be noted that the Celtics were probably headed to losing that series anyhow by the time the injury happened, they lost Tatum to the devastating injury in the second round against the Knicks. As a result, Boston will likely start Georges Niang and Luka Garza in the frontcourt next season.
Even though Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are excellent players, it’s very unlikely that the Celtics will be able to field a strong team the following season. As a result, it’s possible that Joe Mazzulla and company will decide to give some of Boston’s younger players more playing time in 2025–2026 rather than giving Brown and White extra mileage.
When Tatum returns in 2026–2027, Boston should be back in the running.
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