The Celtics have officially announced that Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon. The Celtics star had successful surgery to repair the tendon on Tuesday morning.
“No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery,” the Celtics announced. “Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest in the entire body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bones. A slew of NBA players have suffered Achilles tears in recent years, including Kevin Durant, Dejounte Murray, Klay Thompson, and DeMarcus Cousins, among others. Most NBA players missed at least one year after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture.
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/TTXziFtMQB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 13, 2025
Tatum suffered the injury with 3 minutes to play in the Celtics’ Game 4 loss against the Knicks on Monday night. He was attempting to salvage a loose ball after a turnover by Jaylen Brown when his leg visibly gave out. He rolled around on the floor in pain before being helped into the locker room by trainer Nick Sang and general manager Brad Stevens.
Players immediately feared the worst.
“Obviously we all realized in our heads, like what this could mean,” said Kristaps Porzingis.
The Celtics face the Knicks in a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday night. Now, they’ll be without their franchise cornerstone and leader in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Sam Hauser, who has missed the past three games with an ankle sprain, is probable to return.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
