Kobe Bryant was 34 when he fell on the floor against the Warriors with a ruptured Achilles tendon. After undergoing a successful surgery, he returned to the floor in 9 months. Now, as Jayson Tatum met his idol’s fate in Game 4 vs. the Knicks, his road to recovery doesn’t seem so bad either. In fact, reports say that his rapid decision in the painful moments just after getting injured has put him in a better position to heal.

This is because the 27-year-old Celtics star wasted no time heading for treatment. Just hours after the heartbreaking injury, surgeons at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery rushed JT into surgery. Thankfully, the procedure was a success led by Dr. Martin O’Malley, a world-class Achilles specialist known for previously operating on Kevin Durant after a similar blow.

CelticBlog’s Noa Dalzell spoke with Dr. Lou Soslowsky of UPenn to better under Jayson Tatum’s state. Dr. Soslowsky is not just a leading voice in Achilles research. He has lived it too, tearing his tendon while playing volleyball and returning in just seven months. So when Tatum, only 27, underwent surgery the very next morning, the moment deeply moved Dr. Soslowsky. To him, it was not only rare—it was a powerful sign of hope.

What stands out most to the medical expert is the speed of Jayson Tatum‘s surgery. It happened within hours, which he calls rare even for elite athletes. Most stars, from Durant to Lillard, had to wait days. Behind the scenes, it often takes time to align logistics. Yet in JT’s case, everything moved fast. “Fifty percent of their time, they’re not in their home city, and the choice of which surgeon you’re going to have perform that operation is a conversation between the athlete, the agent, maybe the team, ownership, maybe colleagues or friends of the athlete,” Dr. Soslowsky said.

By sheer fate, Jayson Tatum was already in New York when the injury struck—and Dr. O’Malley was available. That rare timing changed everything. Add to that his youth, unlike most players who face this after 30, and he stands apart. The usual bleak stats may not define his future. In his case, the story could be different. “There’s not a lot of data on recovery from Achilles tear for a 27-year-old at 12 hours post-tear, right?” said Dr. Soslowsky. “There’s no data, really, out there.”

As Tatum made a wise move in choosing surgery without delay, the Boston Celtics found clarity in chaos. His swift action set a tone. Now, with their leader sidelined, questions swirl around Jaylen Brown’s role. In moments like these, futures shift. And Brad Stevens has already drawn a clear line in the sand.

After Jayson Tatum’s news, Celtics GM gives verdict on Jaylen Brown’s future

While speculation grew louder around Jaylen Brown‘s health, Brad Stevens calmly addressed the storm. “What was reported this weekend, that’s been something that he’s had for a while,” he revealed, shedding light on the lingering pain. Yet, hope quietly lingers. “I think he actually felt better, at least he told me he felt better at the end of the Knicks series.” Meanwhile, the General Manager also addressed the pressing matter of JB’s trade.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Stevens cleared the franchise’s stance on the 28-year-old shooting guard. How confident is the GM in Jaylen Brown’s ability to lead and keep the team competitive without Jayson Tatum by his side? “Well, I think first of all, I know that we always talk in terms of superstars and you know, don’t talk in necessarily of 13 players, right? And so the reality is we have a ton, you know, a ton of good players and and everyone leans on everyone,” Stevens expressed.

The Cs GM added: “That said. Jaylen and Jayson have gotten the majority of attention because of how good they are. And I have full faith. That’s any game that you have those guys on the court. Or one of those guys on the court. You have a great shot. And so I have full faith in Jaylen.” Rest assured, Jaylen Brown isn’t getting traded as of now.

So, Jayson Tatum’s swift surgery sparked a wave of hope amid uncertainty. His quick decision not only sets a new standard but also reshapes the Celtics’ future. Meanwhile, Brad Stevens stands firm, placing unwavering trust in Jaylen Brown’s leadership. In this pivotal moment, resilience and faith drive the team forward, together, stronger than ever.