While Tatum certainly can’t wait to get back to action, the Celtics likely won’t be true title contenders until 2027. By then, Tatum will be only 29 years old, one of the best players in the world, and Boston can pick up where it left off.
Jayson Tatum Provides Thrilling Injury Update to Boston Celtics Fans
Jayson Tatum was not the only player to tear his Achilles tendon in the 2025 NBA playoffs, although he might be the only one who returns in time for next season. Both Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard have confirmed that they will take a year off to recover from the injury, although Tatum has not ruled out an early return, hoping he can lead the Boston Celtics to the playoffs.
Of course, most players take a calendar year to recover from such a devastating injury. The most famous exception is Kobe Bryant, who took eight months in 2013 to return.
Tatum has long cited Bryant as his biggest inspiration, so if he follows the same timeline, he should be back on the court by January.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the TD Garden on March 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum Provides Promising Injury Update
Some fans might encourage Tatum to take the season off, recover fully, and then return to action during the 2026-27 season when Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are both still in their prime.
No matter when he returns, the Celtics should emerge as Eastern Conference contenders, and he seems to have his sights set on sometime this season, refusing to rule out a speedy recovery.
“For me and my team, the doctor, the organization, the most important thing is making the full recovery,” he explained during the September 23 episode of TODAY With Jenna and Friends. “
Of course, if his recovery slows down or there is a high risk of reinjuring himself, fans can imagine that he will make the conservative choice and shut himself down for the season, although he has yet to make a definitive announcement.
“I have a goal in my mind,” Tatum added. “What I will say is I’m not working out, rehabbing six days a week for no reason.”
Kyle Pitts has big expectations with QB Michael Penix Jr. – and he’s ready to deliver a breakout season

After an offseason filled with quite a bit of trade speculation, tight end Kyle Pitts is set to enter a pivotal fifth season with the Atlanta Falcons. If Pitts is going to have a future with the organization, it's now or never.
But if it's "now" for the tight end, it sounds like it's going to have to occur organically.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed Pitts' role this season along with the team's other offensive playmakers in front of reporters Wednesday. While Pitts is going to be a focal point, Morris' answer made it seem as though the Falcons aren't going to go out of their way to feed the tight end the ball.
"I just mentioned all the guys when you’re talking about what gives our offense a lot of success, and Kyle Pitts is definitely one of those guys that you could mention," Morris said. "You guys have got the exposure of being able to see him have some success this offseason, to be able to have some success at the end of last season with Mike and now get a chance to go watch those guys do it.
"You want to just let them happen because it's got to be the hot man, and usually, like it happens in games, sometimes it's Drake [London], sometimes it's Kyle [Pitts], sometimes it's Bijan [Robinson], sometimes it's Tyler [Allgeier], whatever the case may be, Ray-Ray [McCloud III].
"But, I just think you've got to – sometimes you get the hot man and you just kind of go and let those guys kind of play. When you've got it rolling that way, I think it makes it a little bit unpredictable for the other defense, and that's what helps us.”
Pitts was the "hot man" for the Falcons most of his rookie season in 2021. The tight end set rookie records for his position with 68 catches and 1,026 receiving yards.
During that season, Pitts had about 250 more yards than any other Falcons pass-catcher.
But poor quarterback play and injuries have derailed Pitts' development the past three seasons. He didn't eclipse the 667-yard mark in any of the last three campaigns.
Last season, Pitts had 47 catches for 602 yards with four touchdowns.
Since the tight end's rookie season, the Falcons have added Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Pitts could be the team's fourth offensive option this fall.
Offenses don't typically design game plans with the team's No. 4 offensive option as a focal point.
The good news about that is opposing defenses won't make stopping Pitts their top priority. That could lead to favorable matchups for the tight end.
But if Pitts doesn't get "hot" at some point during 2025, he might not get the volume to produce the statistics needed to stay in Atlanta or land a sizable contract extension this offseason.