Stephen A. Smith Sends Message To Jayson Tatum About Celtics Return
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has a clear message for Jayson Tatum as the Boston Celtics star prepares for a possible return: Take your time.
Smith sent this message to JT while appearing on First Take on Tuesday alongside former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.
“Don’t rush back, take your time,” Smith urged Tatum. “This is usually a 16-18 month recovery.”
Tatum tore his Achilles tendon on May 12, 2025, meaning he’ll be nine months removed from the injury on Thursday.
Tatum has made steady progress in his rehab. Recent developments show Tatum advancing through key stages of recovery. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this week that JT has begun controlled five-on-five scrimmaging at the Celtics’ training facility.
On Monday, the Celtics assigned Tatum to participate in portions of a practice session with their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. This step allowed him to engage in team-oriented drills before being recalled to Boston to continue his work with the main squad. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has stated the organization will apply no pressure on Tatum’s timeline, prioritizing his complete readiness and clearance from medical staff.
Tatum has expressed a focus on ensuring he returns at 100 percent, avoiding any risk of setbacks. While no official return date has been set, speculation points to a potential debut in March, aligning with typical Achilles recovery timelines for elite athletes when progress remains consistent. The Celtics, holding a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings, continue to monitor his advancement closely as he works toward rejoining the lineup.