Tatum suffered the devastating injury during the Celtics’ Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks on May 12, and had surgery within 24 hours of the incident.

Tatum’s return to light training, documented on his social media, shows him performing weighted crunches in a gym while still wearing a protective boot on his leg. The video has given Celtics fans a glimmer of hope, but Tatum himself has been candid about the frustrations of recovery.

Sharing updates on X, he wrote, “Day 45… this is some b---s---,” reflecting the mental and physical challenges that come with such a significant injury.

Despite his optimism and determination, medical experts caution that Achilles tears typically require 9–12 months for a full recovery, especially for elite athletes whose games depend on explosiveness and lateral movement. The Celtics have not provided a specific timeline for Tatum’s return, but it’s widely expected he will miss most—if not all—of the first half of the 2025-26 season.

Celtics’ Approach: No Rushing the Recovery

Celtics president Brad Stevens has made clear that the organization will not rush Tatum back, emphasizing a “baby steps” approach and refusing to set a projected timeline. The team’s priority is ensuring Tatum is fully healthy before returning to NBA action, especially given the history of Achilles injuries in the league. Notably, Kevin Durant’s successful return after a similar injury offers hope, but most players require a full season or more to regain pre-injury explosiveness and confidence.

Tatum’s injury came at a high point in his career—he was fresh off an NBA championship, Olympic gold, and an All-NBA First Team selection, averaging 28.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the playoffs. His absence has already forced the Celtics to reshape their roster, making key trades to adjust for the coming season.

While Tatum’s early gym sessions are an encouraging sign, both the player and the franchise are bracing for a long, challenging road to full recovery. The Celtics and their fans will be hoping his determination pays off—but patience will be essential as one of the NBA’s brightest stars works his way back.