The Boston Celtics entered the playoffs believing they had a championship roster, but everything changed in Game 4 against the Knicks. Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles while diving for a loose ball, a non-contact injury that immediately silenced Madison Square Garden. He was helped off in a wheelchair and underwent surgery the following day. The moment not only turned the playoffs around, but also the franchise’ immediate future.

Tatum has since described his rehab journey as grueling, saying the first six weeks were the toughest of his life. He now works six days a week and, sometime earlier, finally shed the protective boot, a milestone that encouraged fans. His father told ESPN he expects an eight-to-nine-month recovery window, pointing to a potential February or March return. Yet Boston’s front office refuses to rush. Brad Stevens has stressed that Tatum will only return when “fully ready” and “fully healthy.”

That leaves one big question: who can step up in his absence? Chris Forsberg framed it by saying, “I tried to at first I was going to tell people like you can only pick the under 25 guys, and then you look at like Garza, Queta, they’re all 26.” He noted that if given the whole pool, Boston must find players ready to make the leap. Forsberg’s point highlighted the importance of identifying a new cornerstone, even temporarily, during Tatum’s recovery stretch.

John Karalis answered with confidence, naming Baylor Scheierman. “He’s still under 25… happy almost 25th birthday Baylor,” he joked. Karalis explained that Scheierman showed flashes in the G League and occasional shooting bursts. With his size, passing, and potential defensive growth, he could earn a consistent rotation role. Karalis believes that if Scheierman adds consistency to his shot, he could take a major step forward this year. For Boston, even an eighth or ninth man becoming reliable could prove critical without Tatum.

This season now feels like a waiting game mixed with opportunity. Tatum’s long rehab looms over everything, and the front office has already responded by making major moves to maintain cap flexibility. While the expectation from fans will undoubtedly be that Jaylen Brown will be the leading the line, the Celtics are now strapped for support and need some of their supporting cast members to take the leap.

Without that happening, the season can be expected to quickly descend into non-contention, although Boston also has room for growth. Karalis’ belief in Scheierman reflects optimism that Boston’s younger core can shoulder more responsibility. Even Neemias Queta was mentioned as another option, though less of a youthful piece. If one of them, alongside Jordan Walsh delivers, Boston may be stronger when Tatum returns, effecitvely transforming a painful setback into a defining moment for their future depth.

Of course, all three players were victims of limited playing time last season and will need to make the most of their minutes in the upcoming campaign. Queta, who also starred for Portugal at the EuroBasket 2025, averaged 5 points and 3.8 rebounds in less than 14 minutes per game last season. Walsh averaged just 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.8 minutes per appearance last season, while Scheierman had 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists last campaign, playing 12,4 minutes per appearance. Still, a potential uptick, alongside ambitious hopes for an early Tatum return may mean that not all is lost for the upcoming campaign.

What does Jayson Tatum’s recovery mean for Boston’s plans?

The Celtics’ hopes took a sharp hit when Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles on May 12 during Game Four against the Knicks. But recent reports from Boston sports radio hosts have offered a brighter outlook. Tatum has stayed in Boston for rehab, working daily at the Celtics facility, a commitment his coaches describe as highly unusual but impressive for a player recovering from such a severe injury.

Chris Forsberg asked directly about Tatum’s return, and John replied, “I think that he can be back by March. By Mar, like early March. Yeah. I, I just, I think that the quickness of the surgery… is important.” He explained that the innovative Speedbridge technique used on Tatum’s tendon is helping him recover faster than typical Achilles procedures in basketball. Though the NBA is different from the NFL, John pointed to similar rapid recoveries, saying, “So that’s super encouraging. Now, it’s a little bit different in basketball, but hey, you know, that’s… a guy in his complete physical prime getting surgery almost immediately from one of the best.”

Forsberg and John agreed that early March could allow Tatum to slowly ramp up in controlled minutes. John said, “If he’s ready to go by March 1st, I would love to see him out there… slow work, but get him into some pick-and-rolls with Luca Garza.” He emphasized that this isn’t rushing the process but using the opportunity for Tatum to regain confidence, shake off the rust, and start integrating with teammates.

With Celtics fans still adjusting to roster changes and new restrictions, Tatum’s potential return provides hope. As Matt Couture noted, “Get into the playoffs and who knows?” If he can step onto the court late in the season, even limited minutes could offer Boston a critical boost for a playoff push.