Celtics fans are growing used to rehab check-ins from Jayson Tatum — and each one seems to show just how tough the grind really is. He ruptured his right Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. New York back in mid‑May and had surgery the very next day. The reported timeline for his comeback is between 8-12 months, which likely puts Tatum back between January and May 2026. In his latest update, JT took things a step further — sharing a grueling pool-based routine that offers the clearest look yet at how hard he’s working to get back.

Back in rehab, on Day 25, he posted, “Day 25… days starting to get a little easier.” By Day 45, his emotion was a bit different: “This is some b——-,” emphasizing that the Achilles rehab tests you in a whole other way. But the 5x All-Star is reportedly grinding daily at the Auerbach Center, refusing to check out. Just a few days ago, we once again witnessed his strength as he dropped a 4-word motivating message for himself. “Keep showing up JT.” It was the caption of his Instagram post, where he was in the weight room. Now his location is different, as he dips into the swimming pool, not for relaxing, but to continue his rehab journey.

Yes, Jayson Tatum was apparently following walking lunges in a pool — a method often used to reduce stress on recovering joints and tendons while maintaining lower-body engagement. Aiding him in the process, he played the song by Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, ‘When He’s Gone’.

If the routine and the recovery are on track, the Beantown can expect their superstar as early as February 2026 (post‑All‑Star). Or a more conservative approach from Boston would mean using Jayson Tatum in the late regular season, or just in time for the playoffs. In fact, the team doctors and Brad Stevens emphasize caution with the update as they want JT  “fully ready” before stepping back on the hardwood. But when he steps on the court, he won’t have the familiar faces that he had before.

Amid Jayson Tatum’s recovery, the Celtics did a reboot

They shipped Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, clearing roughly $27 million. With this, they are below the dreaded second apron tax threshold. But more moves can’t be ruled out, especially when they are looking for guard options to pair up with Jayson Tatum. Even though they are flirting around the second apron, Boston is still a viable option as two close friends of JT are in the running. As per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Damian Lillard is considering the move to the East Coast.

“According to an NBA source, Lillard would consider signing with the Celtics, and the Celtics are indeed interested.” The report also added that Dame has a close friendship with Jayson Tatum as they played together on the 2020 Team USA in Tokyo. Not to forget, the two are going through similar recovery processes from their injuries. Another star with an even deeper connection is Bradley Beal. It started back in St. Louis when Beal was the older kid looking out for a young Tatum.

That “big brother” dynamic never faded. Even when the trade rumors of Beal were swirling left, right, and center, the support from Tatum was firm. “One of the coolest moments for me in my career! More life to my big brotha @bradbeal3 Enjoy ya day love ya champ.”  This was a birthday message, but more importantly, a highlight of the behind-the-scenes relationship that Beal and Tatum share.

So, it’s clear that the Boston Celtics are looking for moves to avoid tanking. Plus, they don’t want to push JT to return until and unless the rehab is 100% done. Still, as these subtle videos trickle out, they’re serving a dual purpose: showing fans that Tatum is locked in, and reminding the league that Boston isn’t going to let this injury derail their title window.

If this latest pool routine is any indication, Jayson Tatum may be off the hardwood for now — but he’s not stepping back from the fight.