Jayson Tatum rupturing his Achilles tendon will be the greatest sliding-doors moment in the Celtics’ recent history. A franchise primed to dominate the league had to completely flip the script. The Celtics went on a fire sale, with the likes of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis leaving for new pastures. Now, the talk is that the Celtics’ front office is counting the next season as a ‘gap year’. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the commitment from JT, not only towards the Celtics but going above and beyond on giving back and remembering his roots to this day.

It’s been 11 weeks into his rehab journey, where the fans have gotten a glimpse of his road to recovery. Even though the injury is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season, Tatum showed up in his hometown of St. Louis. While that is not news in itself, fans quickly caught on to the fact that JT was moving around without a walking boot. This is a major sign of progress…and it’s evident that his recovery is very much on schedule. But the question still remains…what was he doing back in St.Louis?

Answer? For a noble cause. Tatum was there to take part in the annual Jayson Tatum Foundation Charity, which had multiple events lined up in the past few days. Through his foundation, the NBA champ runs basketball camps and back-to-school giveaways. Not just that, the charity offers scholarships and mentorship to high schoolers in the city. And JT wasn’t there just for the clicks; he had some motivating words for the next generation. “Not to get discouraged, I always tell people whenever they ask for advices, never let somebody tell you what you can’t do. If you believe strong enough, if you work hard enough, and nobody was ever successful by themselves,” Tatum said on the stage.

Jayston Tatum did not stop there and shared that everybody needs a strong support group to get through the difficult moments in life. He claimed that being from the same environment and the same neighborhood will help some of the kids to propel themselves into any field they want to excel in. The 27-year-old felt it was empowering, and that’s why he comes back to spend some time with the local youth. “I believe anything is possible. And that’s why it’s so important to me to come back home. It’s one thing for the kids to see me on TV and just know me from St. Louis. But when I actually come back and spend time with them, so they can actually talk to me and spend time and touch me.”

And JT wasn’t alone in this endeavour. He was joined by the members of the Celtics’ coaching staff.  The JTF added an Instagram story, “Celtics coaching staff at the JTF golf tournament 😂“. Even Jayson Tatum couldn’t hold his laughter in when he saw one of the assistants hit it wide instead of a straight hit. It was Amile Jefferson who couldn’t connect in his first attempt, but made the changes while taking his second. The thing to note is that the golfing was not the only event from the foundation.

Jayson Tatum had another supporter, and he wasn’t a Celtic teammate

A few days ago, the JTF carried out a task to help the kids with essentials. From books, supplies, and a bit of joy to carry them through the break, and helping Tatum was none other than his own blood. Yes, seven-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr., stepped up and helped like a true volunteer during the event. So, not only is JT setting up the right example of giving back, but also making his son understand the importance.

And of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without a basketball camp. That camp was held at the very community center where Tatum once honed his own game. Local kids welcomed their hometown hero and later were part of basketball drills and scrimmages. Apart from the hoop lessons, the kids also participated in essay and art competitions to channel their inner creativity. In fact, to showcase responsibility and leadership, the campers had to build and race balloon-powered cars as a team.

It was held at the very community center where he once honed his own game. Jayson Tatum delivered a strong message once again about leadership skills and taking up responsibilities. Apart from the hoop lessons, the kids also participated in essay and art competitions to channel their inner creativity. In fact, to showcase responsibility and leadership, the campers had to build and race balloon-powered cars as a team.

It was not about which team is superior, but how to communicate and build together. Their reward, too, was sweet, just like JT’s 2024 championship. Tatum made sure every single kid went home with a huge smile—and a brand new iPad. So, the return to St. Louis was eventful, and everything that the 6x All-Star wanted to do, amid his recovery.