Boston Celtics Face Major Setback as Jayson Tatum Considers Season-Long Absence
The Boston Celtics' hopes for the 2025-26 NBA season have been thrown into uncertainty with reports emerging that star player Jayson Tatum could potentially sit out the entire campaign. The six-time All-Star, who suffered a torn Achilles during the 2025 playoffs, had been expected to return to bolster the 29-18 Celtics roster, but new developments suggest a more cautious approach.
Recovery Re-evaluation Sparks Concern
According to senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, league sources indicate that Tatum is currently re-evaluating his situation and may ultimately decide to miss the complete 2025-26 season. This news comes as a significant blow to an increasingly optimistic fan base that had been anticipating the champion's return for what many hoped would be a deep playoff push.
It remains unclear whether the 27-year-old forward has experienced any specific setback in his rehabilitation process, or if this represents a precautionary measure from either the player or the organisation. Tatum is securely contracted through the 2029-30 season following his landmark five-year, $313 million agreement with Boston, providing some financial stability amid the uncertainty.
Long-Term Career Aspirations
In a revealing interview on the Morris Code podcast, hosted by former NBA forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris, Tatum expressed his desire to extend his career for another decade. His motivation stems from wanting to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James by potentially playing alongside his own son, Deuce, who was born in December 2017.
'He turns 8, I'm 27, it's like, "Man, can I play 10 more years?"' Tatum told the podcast hosts. 'I can easily do that. I mean, if it were to work out, that would be cool.'
The Celtics star, who now has a second child with British singer Ella Mai, recently shared that his eldest son has begun taking his first organised basketball steps. 'He just started playing basketball on the organized team,' Tatum revealed to People magazine. 'So he's really starting to fall in love with the game. It's exciting to see that.'
Celtics Adapting in Tatum's Absence
During Tatum's recovery period, the Celtics have demonstrated remarkable resilience, rallying around fellow star Jaylen Brown. Brown has elevated his game to MVP-caliber levels, averaging impressive statistics of nearly 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game. This unexpected surge has helped maintain Boston's competitive position despite their key player's absence.
Deuce Tatum, whose full name is Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr, remains a regular courtside presence at Celtics games, maintaining the family's connection to the team during this challenging period. The final decision regarding Tatum's participation in the 2025-26 season has yet to be determined, leaving Celtics supporters and NBA observers awaiting further developments with bated breath.
