### Jayson Tatum Shares Positive Update on Achilles Rehab

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is optimistic about his progress as he recovers from an Achilles tear. On Saturday, Tatum took to social media to provide an encouraging update on his rehabilitation process. "Day 25... days starting to get a little easier," Tatum wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Tatum's post marks 25 days since his surgery on May 13 to repair his right Achilles. This is the first time he has publicly commented on his injury since thanking fans for their support shortly after the procedure. In a May 14 Instagram post, Tatum expressed his gratitude by sharing a picture from the hospital with the caption, "Thankful for all the love and support."

The injury occurred during the Celtics' Game 4 loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with their season concluding four days later following a heavy defeat in Game 6. Since undergoing surgery, detailed information about Tatum’s recovery has been scant, with the Celtics maintaining a cautious approach regarding updates.

Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, abstained from providing a specific recovery timeline but acknowledged the long journey ahead. However, he highlighted the benefit of Tatum’s early surgery performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. O'Malley has performed similar surgeries on notable players like Kevin Durant.

Tatum's father, Justin, shared with ESPN’s Marc Spears the family's optimistic view, estimating an eight-to-nine-month recovery period. This timeline is hopeful, as many NBA players, such as Durant, typically take a year or longer to fully recover from an Achilles injury. Durant needed 18 months to return to action after his Achilles tear, a period extended due to the COVID pandemic.

Reports suggest that Tatum is looking to Durant's rehab as a model for his own recovery. ESPN's Shams Charania mentioned that both athletes had immediate surgeries at the same hospital, facilitating quicker initial recoveries. Tatum is expected to consult with Durant to emulate his successful rehabilitation pathway.

As Tatum continues his rehabilitation journey, both Celtics fans and the wider basketball community will closely monitor his progress, hoping for his swift and full recovery.