The Boston Celtics maintain a strong 38-20 record and sit firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference after a successful West Coast road trip, going 3-1. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum has been sidelined, steadily working toward a comeback from the torn Achilles injury he suffered during last year’s playoffs. His recovery is advancing on schedule, and a clear sign of encouragement emerged on Thursday from Dejounte Murray, who recently returned from a similar Achilles injury.
Murray, who resumed play for the New Orleans Pelicans after more than thirteen months off, shared a personal moment on Instagram that drew Tatum’s attention immediately. Tatum left an early comment expressing his happiness for Murray’s return, and Murray responded with a message reflecting their shared struggles and determination.
My brotha, overly happy for you,
Tatum wrote.
My brother. We got through this s*** together,
Murray replied. Waiting on you.
Progress Updates on Jayson Tatum’s Road to Returning
Tatum’s gradual return has reached significant milestones, moving from rehabilitation phases into active basketball drills. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum has advanced to participating in full five-on-five scrimmages during practice sessions—a critical step indicating readiness to resume competitive play.
Charania emphasized,
Right now, it’s about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up,
while also noting,
There are two elements at play. One is increasing the strength in both of his calves off of that Achilles tendon injury, and the big hurdle of all this is getting 100 percent there on the mental side.
This balanced approach highlights the Celtics’ cautious but optimistic handling of Tatum’s timeline, ensuring both physical and psychological readiness.
Impact of Tatum’s Injury and Anticipated Return on Celtics’ Team Dynamics
Despite Tatum’s absence, the Celtics have not just survived — they have thrived. Jaylen Brown has emerged as a dominant force, currently posting career-high averages of 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Complementing Brown’s performance, teammates Payton Pritchard and Derrick White have also made significant contributions to the team’s success, solidifying Boston’s competitive position.
The team’s achievements show a sturdy foundation that won’t vanish upon Tatum’s return. Instead, these efforts create a platform ready to support his reintegration. While no official return date has been announced, the progression of five-on-five practices and ongoing conditioning suggests the Celtics are preparing for Tatum’s comeback in the near future.
Murray’s direct message encapsulated this hope and anticipation perfectly: they are ready and “waiting on you.”
Dejounte Murray’s Experience Offers Confidence for Tatum’s Near Future
Having endured and overcome an Achilles rupture himself after thirteen months of recovery, Dejounte Murray fully comprehends what lies ahead for Tatum. His recent Instagram exchange was more than mere encouragement; it acted as a tacit acknowledgment that the end of this difficult journey is within reach.
Tatum’s increasing involvement in practice, together with the Celtics’ impressive standing in the Eastern Conference, signals a positive momentum. The mental and physical hurdles remain, but with colleagues like Murray leading the way from experience, Tatum’s return is shaping up to be imminent.
The Celtics, currently strong at 38-20, and Murray’s reassuring words form the backdrop to what is expected to be a pivotal moment for the team when Tatum finally steps back onto the court.
Dejounte Murray to Jayson Tatum on Instagram 👀 pic.twitter.com/7GrK3ocOmh
— jb (@lockedupjb) February 26, 2026
The latest for ESPN NBA Countdown on Boston's Jayson Tatum, a full go in five-on-five team scrimmages nine months post-Achilles surgery: pic.twitter.com/rSCJS8OR8g
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2026
