Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has been navigating a challenging recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. The injury, a devastating blow to both Tatum and the Celtics’ championship aspirations, has kept the All-NBA forward sidelined, with a potential return not expected until late in the 2025-26 season at the earliest. Despite the long road ahead, Tatum’s resilience and determination have been evident, and a heartfelt gesture from a close confidant has added a spark of motivation to his rehab journey.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, Tatum shared a glimpse into his recovery process via an Instagram story, posting a photo of himself working out at the Celtics’ training facility. Accompanying the image was a succinct yet powerful four-word caption: “Keep pushing, stay strong.” According to sources close to the team, this message was a personal note tucked into a Christmas stocking sent to Tatum by his longtime mentor and former NBA star, Kevin Durant. The two share a well-documented bond, forged through mutual respect and shared experiences, including their time as teammates on the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic teams, where they won gold medals together.
The message struck a chord with Tatum, who has been open about the emotional toll of his injury. Before the Achilles tear in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tatum was in peak form, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high six assists per game during the 2024-25 regular season. His playoff performance was equally stellar, with 28.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, earning him widespread praise as one of the league’s elite players. The injury, however, forced him to undergo surgery in mid-May, and the grueling rehab process has tested his patience.
Durant, who himself suffered a torn Achilles in 2019 while with the Golden State Warriors, has been a guiding figure for Tatum during this difficult time. Sources say Durant reached out shortly after Tatum’s injury, offering advice on navigating the physical and mental challenges of recovery. The four-word stocking message, delivered as a surprise during the holiday season, was a reminder of Durant’s belief in Tatum’s ability to overcome adversity. “Kevin knows what it’s like to come back from something like this,” a source close to Tatum said. “His words carry weight, and Jayson’s taking them to heart.”
Celtics fans have rallied around Tatum’s update, flooding social media with messages of support. One fan commented, “The comeback is going to be legendary! Tough times don’t last, tough people do ❤️,” while another wrote, “Always thankful you’re a Celtic ☘️🙏🏼.” The team itself amplified the sentiment, posting on X: “The comeback will be greater than the setback 💪🏽⏳,” alongside a photo of Tatum in rehab. The outpouring of encouragement reflects Tatum’s status as the franchise’s cornerstone and a beloved figure in Boston.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have been retooling their roster in Tatum’s absence, making moves to stay under the NBA’s second apron salary cap while building a competitive team for his eventual return. Trades involving Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, along with the departure of Luke Kornet in free agency, signal a strategic shift as the team prepares for a potential “gap year” in 2025-26. New additions like Luka Garza and Josh Minott are expected to provide depth, but the focus remains on Tatum’s recovery as the key to Boston’s long-term success.
At just 27 years old, Tatum has time on his side, but Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to overcome. His commitment to rehab, paired with the support of mentors like Durant and the unwavering loyalty of Celtics fans, suggests that “Keep pushing, stay strong” is more than just a message—it’s a mantra for his journey back to the court. As Tatum himself posted on social media earlier in June, “Day 25… days starting to get a little easier.” With each step, he’s proving that his comeback will indeed be greater than the setback.
