Jayson Tatum undergoes surgery for torn Achilles: How serious is it and how long could recovery take

In a devastating turn of events during Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and casting uncertainty over his return for the start of the next.


The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter when Tatum lunged for a loose ball and collapsed in visible pain. He was helped off the court and taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. An MRI confirmed the rupture, leading to immediate surgery .


How serious is it?

A ruptured Achilles is a severe injury, especially for an athlete of Tatum's caliber.


The Achilles tendon is crucial in almost every basketball movement. It helps you push off when jumping, changing directions, and sprinting. So, when it tears, it’s not just a matter of resting for a few days. This kind of injury is a major setback. It’s one of the most severe injuries in sports because it completely limits an athlete’s ability to move like they’re used to, and that’s especially true for a player who relies on speed and agility as much as Tatum does.


An Achilles tear often requires surgery, and recovery can take anywhere from 9 months to a year, reports suggest. The timeline varies based on the athlete’s rehab, the surgery’s success, and any potential setbacks. Tatum, who has been one of the best players in the NBA, will likely follow a strict rehab regimen, but even with the best care, recovery is no easy feat.

Rehabilitation for a torn Achilles is long and challenging. It typically starts with a few weeks of rest and immobilization, followed by physical therapy to regain range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Early recovery focuses on getting the tendon back to a place where the athlete can start walking and moving again without pain. The next stage involves more intense strengthening exercises, as the tendon has to get strong enough to handle the force it will face when Tatum returns to the court.


Most players will need at least 9 months before they’re cleared for full basketball activities, but getting back to top form is a different story. There’s a risk of re-injury, and Tatum will have to be patient as he works his way back. Even after returning to play, it’s not unusual for athletes to feel like their explosiveness or confidence in their movements takes a while to come back.


For Tatum, this means missing the remainder of the playoffs and potentially the beginning of the next season.