Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum may be just one medical confirmation away from a serious setback. During a stellar 42-point showing in Game 4 of the Celtics’ second-round matchup against the New York Knicks, a misstep raised immediate concerns that he might have torn his Achilles tendon.
A torn Achilles has prematurely ended the careers of many elite athletes, but Tatum can find hope in a recent exception: Kevin Durant.
Durant famously tore his Achilles during Game 5 of the 2018 NBA Finals. Nearing his 30th birthday at the time, Durant had already battled a Jones fracture and a string of leg injuries in his late 20s.
He missed the entire 2019–20 season and only played 35 games the following year, but since then, Durant has re-established himself as a top-tier player.
Durant was 32 when he made his return, which is an important comparison point for Tatum. While Durant has dealt with some availability issues post-injury, he has appeared in 137 games over the past two seasons, averaging 26.9 points per game.
Tatum, at just 27, realistically has the potential to return to his elite form by age 30.
Durant’s comeback proves that an Achilles injury isn’t necessarily a career-ending one. Tatum, who won’t turn 28 until March 2026, has ample time to recover. While the Celtics may opt for a cautious timeline and target the 2026–27 season for his full return, he could be back on the court by 28—and potentially playing at his best again by 29.
Reaching that peak again would be no small feat. Tatum is already a four-time All-NBA selection with three First Team honors and is likely to earn another after a standout 2024–25 campaign.
This past season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.5 made three-pointers per game.
An offensive threat at all three levels, Tatum combines elite scoring ability with high-level rebounding and underrated defensive skills, making him one of the NBA’s most complete players.
Durant, similarly, came back from his Achilles injury just before turning 30 and returned to form as a two-way force.
While differences exist—Durant’s 6’11” frame and explosive movement style contrast with Tatum’s 6’8″ build and smoother game—the main point remains: Durant’s recovery sets a clear precedent.
Tatum can follow the same path back to dominance.
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