The Boston Celtics are riding high at 38-20, dominating the Eastern Conference with some of their best basketball yet. They just wrapped up a 3-1 West Coast road trip and held onto their second-place standing upon returning home.
All the while, Jayson Tatum has been sidelined, diligently rehabbing from the torn Achilles he suffered in last year’s playoffs. His progress is undeniable, and the timeline for his comeback is accelerating.
On Thursday, Tatum received an uplifting message from someone who knows the grueling path all too well.
Murray Sends Message to Tatum
Dejounte Murray, who recently returned to action for the New Orleans Pelicans after over 13 months sidelined by his own Achilles rupture, shared a photo from his comeback on Instagram. Tatum was quick to respond in the comments: “My brotha, overly happy for you.”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/lockedupjb/status/2027097198802985457
Murray’s reply highlighted the strong bond forged through their shared ordeals: “My brother. We got through this s*** together. Waiting on you.”
Two elite players, two devastating Achilles injuries—one already back on the court, the other inching closer to his triumphant return.
[Embedded X Post: jb @lockedupjb · Follow Dejounte Murray to Jayson Tatum on Instagram 👀 2:03 pm · 26 Feb 2026 9258 Reply]
Where Tatum’s Recovery Stands
Tatum’s rehabilitation has hit key milestones lately. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the star forward is now fully participating in five-on-five scrimmages during practice—a major leap from pure rehab to actual on-court preparation.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2026817696092856336
“Right now, it’s about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up,” Charania explained. “There are two elements at play. One is increasing the strength in both of his calves off of that Achilles tendon injury, and the big hurdle of all this is getting 100 percent there on the mental side.”
Charania has emphasized the Celtics’ cautious yet optimistic approach to Tatum’s timeline.
[Embedded X Post: Shams Charania @ShamsCharania · Follow The latest for ESPN NBA Countdown on Boston’s Jayson Tatum, a full go in five-on-five team scrimmages nine months post-Achilles surgery: 7:32 pm · 25 Feb 2026 4037 Reply]
What His Return Means for the Celtics
In Tatum’s absence, the Celtics haven’t just survived—they’ve thrived. Jaylen Brown is having a career-best season, posting 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Players like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White have stepped up admirably.
Boston isn’t merely holding the fort; they’re building a championship contender. Tatum’s return won’t disrupt that momentum—it’ll amplify it, stepping onto a solid foundation of wins and chemistry.
No official return date has been announced, but the five-on-five drills are in full swing, conditioning is ramping up, and the mental barriers are being addressed.
Final Word for the Celtics
Dejounte Murray endured 13 months of recovery from his Achilles tear, so he understands the intensity of those final stages. His Thursday message to Tatum wasn’t mere encouragement—it was a testament from a fellow warrior that the end is in sight.
With Tatum now scrimmaging five-on-five and his conditioning on the rise, the 38-20 Celtics are poised in second place in the East. All signs point to a imminent reunion.
Murray’s back in action. Boston—and the NBA—is eagerly awaiting Tatum’s return. That day is drawing near.