The Celtics have not commented on a timetable for Tatum’s recovery but Tatum’s father indicated to Marc Spears of ESPN that the Celtics All-Star expects to return in 8-9 months. Players who have returned from an Achilles tear in the NBA in the past year have need anywhere from 8-18 months for their recovery before returning to the floor.

As the NBA Finals rage on, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum gave a brief recovery update to his fans. Tatum, who suffered a rupture to his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 against the New York Knicks during the NBA playoffs and underwent surgery to repair it, had a short social media message for fans on June 7.

Durant was among the group of players who were out for over a year following his Achilles tear, making his return to action 18 months after the injury (although the COVID pandemic played a hand in that). Tatum is reportedly using Durant’s rehab as a template for his road to recovery.