The Boston Celtics have opened the season far stronger than expected. They sit at 15–9, winners of five straight, and have leaned on Jaylen Brown playing at a career-best level. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have come into form at the right time, helping steady a roster that has relied on effort, spacing and the rise of its young contributors. They have done all of it without their franchise centerpiece. And that makes Jayson Tatum’s latest update even more promising.
Tatum Drops Major Recovery Update
On Monday, Tatum posted a one-word Instagram message: “Soon” paired with a crossed-fingers emoji. It was yet another hint that he is making real progress from the Achilles tear he suffered in May.
A day later, he followed it with new workout footage from the Auerbach Center. As seen in the video, Tatum played 1-on-1 and moved cleanly on his repaired Achilles. His footwork and balance looked strong, and he showed no obvious hesitation or discomfort. For a player expected to miss most of the season, the clips sparked understandable excitement.
January Rumblings Add Fuel to Celtics Optimism
Around the league, Tatum’s progress has started to draw attention. Achilles recoveries are often slow and unpredictable, but clips of him moving at this pace have shifted how people view his timeline. Front offices, analysts and former players have all noted that his mobility looks stronger than expected for this stage. It does not change Boston’s internal timeline, but it has changed the conversation about what is possible.
The buzz is not coming from fans alone. On a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Simmons said there are “real feelings that Jayson Tatum could be back in January.” That would put his return roughly eight months after surgery.
It fits with how Tatum discussed his recovery before the season. During a media tour, he said he is rehabbing “six days a week for no reason,” a line that suggested he had a return target in mind. Ideally, he wants that moment to happen at TD Garden. Boston hosts the Charlotte Hornets on March 4, one day after his birthday. That has long been viewed as a realistic goal, but the growing chatter hints that he may be ahead of that pace.
What This Means for Boston
The Celtics will not rush him. That remains the one constant. Tatum will not return until he is fully cleared and every box is checked. Modern Achilles repairs allow players to regain full form, and Tatum benefits from a quick surgery, his age and his relentless approach to rehab.
Boston’s success without him also allows the franchise to stay patient. Brown has carried the offense. White and Pritchard have stabilized the guard rotation. Young contributors such as Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, Hugo González and Neemias Queta have elevated the team’s depth and versatility.
When Tatum does return, he changes the ceiling. His scoring, playmaking and defensive presence shift Boston from overachiever to threat. Whether that happens in January, March or later, the Celtics have put themselves in position to absorb the wait.
The Verdict for the Celtics
Jayson Tatum’s post and his new 1-on-1 footage are the clearest signs yet that he is trending ahead of schedule. The Celtics will remain cautious, but the optimism is real.
If he returns this season, even late, Boston’s trajectory changes. And for the first time since May, that possibility feels close.
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