Former Boston Celtics majority owner and current CEO Wyc Grousbeck delivered a devastating blow to fans optimistic that currently injured all-star, Jayson Tatum, could return this NBA season.
“Everybody knows exactly what’s going to happen. We’re not going to ever ask him to come back,” Grousbeck said on The Greg Hill Show, of Tatum returning for the 2025-2026 year. “We’re assuming he’s not coming back, and we’re not even going to have any discussions about it. He’s expected to not be here this season,” he reiterated.
Tatum suffered a brutal injury last season while in competing in the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks, rupturing his Achilles tendon. Undergoing surgery only days after, Tatum has shown astounding improvements in his recovery journey, one that is typically projected as 9–12 months.
“At some point, he’s gonna be ready to come back. Whenever that is, we’ll get five doctors’ opinions, we’ll ask him how he feels, and then we’ll all decide jointly, you know, ‘Let’s do this.’ Whatever month that is, whenever that is. But there’s no discussions in the meantime.”
Moments After May
Since the injury in May, Tatum has shown fans a glimpse of what his life has been like. In September, the 6-time NBA All-Star told ESPN that while his only concern was making a full recovery, he wasn’t “rehabbing 6 days a week for no reason.”
“I put a date on the calendar of when I will be 100% ready and able to play. Whenever that date is, it will be a home game in front of the fans at TD Garden. That is something that I have, you know, dreamed about and envisioned.”
Days later during the NBA’s Media Day, Tatum shared more encouraging news about his rehab process. “I’m in a really good spot,” he admitted, 19 weeks post surgery. “Getting back on the court and being able to participate in a basketball workout was definitely one of the more bright spots of this journey.”
Tatum clarified that he felt “no pressure” to return to the team from management or ownership until he was back at 100%.
Grousbeck Won’t “Bet Against” Tatum Amid Return Aspirations
“I’ve bet on Jayson Tatum basically since the day Danny (Ainge) brilliantly drafted him,” Grousbeck said in the interview, Wednesday. “I’ll never bet against Jayson Tatum, but, nor will he be asked by the Celtics to come back early. That’s not going to happen.”
The Celtics home opener this evening is against the Philadelphia 76ers, at 7:30 PM.
