Paul George knows the emotional toll of a devastating, potentially career-altering injury better than most.
During a 2014 Team USA scrimmage, the six-time All-NBA forward suffered a gruesome compound fracture of his right tibia and fibula. The injury was so severe that many wondered if he would ever be the same player again. Yet, in his first full season back, George returned to All-Star form — a testament to his work ethic, mental strength, and determination.
That experience gave George a unique perspective when he watched Jayson Tatum tear his Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Shortly after the injury, George reached out to the Boston Celtics star.
“I reached out to him when it initially happened, just to tell him I’m praying for him, and hoping for a speedy recovery, and that God’s got him — he’s in good hands,” George said after the Philadelphia 76ers’ 118-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
“We talked a little bit, but not necessarily through the process. People go through their things. I told him, I’m here if you need anything — I wanted to leave the door open if he wanted, but people go through injuries [their own way].”
Tatum’s Support System and the Loneliness of Recovery
Tatum has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the support system surrounding him during his recovery — his family, Celtics physical therapist and athletic trainer Nick Sang, teammates, coaches, and the entire organization. Still, the road back from a torn Achilles is long and isolating.
Even with all the help, there are moments of loneliness. The mental and emotional challenges of rehabbing while teammates practice, watching games from the bench, and fighting through frustration test even the strongest athletes.
George, drawing from his own experience, offered a candid view of what Tatum is facing.
“This is almost something that you’ve got to figure out and learn on your own,” George said. “I’ve learned that through injuries, it can make you or could break you, and so you’ve got to go through it on your own to see what you’re made of, to come out of that, because you’re going to come out a different player.
“And there’s nothing that I could tell you to prepare you for that, because there’s going to be good days and there’s going to be bad days, and that’s just the nature of the injury. So again, that’s something that you’ve got to get through on your own.”
Tatum’s Progress and Mindset
Tatum has been open about the difficulties of his return. He has admitted feeling rusty, making mistakes, and dealing with fatigue, but he has also emphasized his relentless effort and belief that he is improving with each game.
The Celtics have gone 8-3 since his return, and Tatum has already delivered multiple strong performances, including a season-high 32-point night and several double-doubles. His efficiency is still climbing, but the impact, rebounding, and leadership have been evident.
George’s message — offering support without trying to dictate the process — reflects the reality that every major injury recovery is deeply personal. Tatum is navigating his own path, supported by those around him but ultimately facing the hardest parts alone.
Final Thoughts
Paul George’s outreach to Jayson Tatum is a reminder of the brotherhood that exists among elite athletes. Both men have faced serious injuries that tested their bodies and minds, and both have come back stronger.
Tatum’s return is still a work in progress, but the early signs are encouraging. With the playoffs approaching, the Celtics will need him at full strength and confidence. George’s words offer perspective: the journey is lonely at times, but it can also forge a different, often better, player on the other side.
Celtics fans, how encouraged are you by Tatum’s progress so far? Do you see Paul George’s experience as a positive example for what Tatum can achieve in his comeback?
The Celtics are still very much in the title conversation, and Tatum’s continued improvement will be central to their hopes.