What do you do when your body gives out before your legacy does, but you’re advising the King? That’s the question Jayson Tatum seems to be quietly answering this summer without fanfare, filters, and definitely without golf clubs. While much of NBA Twitter was busy zooming in on LeBron James’ viral tee-time swing, dissecting every awkward follow-through like it was Game 7 tape, Tatum was handling a tougher kind of recovery. Just a month ago, the Celtics star was in a walking boot after an Achilles injury. Now? He’s walking again, training six days a week, and reportedly “ahead of schedule” with attention all around.

Meanwhile, Boston’s offseason has seen its own kind of rehab, saying goodbye to key veterans like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, bringing in fresh faces like Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, and trying Derrick White. Through it all, Tatum’s presence looms large. He’s recovering, recruiting, reaching out to stars like Damian Lillard, and mentoring from afar. But besides this busy schedule, the Celtics star didn’t miss out on watching the NBA idol go full Happy Gilmore on Instagram.

Because when LeBron’s swing made the rounds, guess who chimed in with subtle shade wrapped in support? “I’m happy my guy’s out there,” Tatum said with a knowing smile. “We all probably looked like this when we first got out there… hopefully, he keeps practising… loosen up a little bit.” Translation: That swing needs Jesus. And a little wrist rotation. But, well, this wasn’t only about golf.

It was about timing, symbolism, and the subtle art of keeping your name in the mix when you can’t be on the court. While LeBron was trending for his form on the fairway and wanting to shorten the NBA games, Tatum was making news for something far more consequential: his relentless commitment to coming back better. The Celtics, off the 2024 NBA Finals that felt like destiny, finally delivered, knowing they’ll need Tatum at full strength to run it back. But behind the scenes, this rehab process is about more than just ankles and Achilles tendons.

It’s about legacy, pressure, and that sneaky undercurrent of generational transition happening right under our noses. Because people, remember that Tatum turned just 27 this year. He’s already got five All-Star appearances and averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this season. That’s not just franchise cornerstone stuff. That’s the resume of someone already carrying the torch. And speaking of carrying things… the Boston Celtics‘ title win changed everything.

Tatum can’t be tamed

Tatum went from “star on the rise” to “guy who did it.” No more caveats, no more “but what if he had help?” narratives. But with that ring came a whole new expectation: do it again. And then again. The Celtics’ front office seems to agree. How? Well, Tatum signed a supermax extension worth $314 million over five years. It is the kind of NBA contract that says plainly, you are our future. And while this might be Jaylen Brown’s year, let’s not forget that this team runs through Tatum’s hands. Now here’s the real plot twist.

Kristaps Porzingis is off to Atlanta, as acquired by the Hawks in a three-team deal, so naturally, Boston’s early-season load will only get heavier on Tatum and Brown. The Celtics can still coast with a rock-solid supporting cast. But let’s not pretend they aren’t holding their breath until No. 0 is back at full tilt. The upside?

Jayson Tatum‘s style of play has always leaned on craft over raw explosion. His footwork in the mid-post, his pacing on drives, and that killer fade from the elbow? All still there. And his durability has long been one of his most underrated traits—he’s played 585 games total in his career so far. Still, Achilles injuries aren’t ankle sprains.

One misstep, one mismanaged ramp-up, and everything changes. Which makes this rehab stint not just a physical checkpoint, but a career-defining one. And Tatum knows it. His reaction to LeBron James‘ golf swing wasn’t just about chuckles. It was a reminder that even the greats have to learn new tricks, start from scratch, and yes, occasionally look goofy doing it.

For Tatum, this summer is about sharpening. So while LeBron figures out how to break 90, Tatum’s out here trying to break through all over again… quietly, obsessively, and just maybe, ahead of schedule. God, we hope so.