Celtics' Jayson Tatum (Achilles) still hopes to play this season

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has not ruled out playing in 2025-26 as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

Injured during the playoffs in May, Tatum told ESPN's "First Take" on Tuesday not to count him out.

"First thing, I haven't said I'm not playing this season," the six-time All-Star forward said, when asked about Boston's outlook for the season without him.

Tatum, 27, who was spotted at a New England Patriots practice last month wearing a walking boot on his right foot, said he won't hurry a recovery process that typically takes a full year or more.

"The most important thing is a full recovery. And I'm not rushing it ... at all," he said. "But also, I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing."

Tatum said he has been comparing notes with three other NBA players recovering from the same injuries sustained last season: Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard and Dejounte Murray.

"We've all been in communication ... Dejounte, Dame, Tyrese ... we're all at different points in our recovery," he said Tuesday. "I text them all the time to ask what can you do, and what are you doing in your workouts. We're all in the same boat, just kind of checking in on each other."

Boston opens the regular season against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 22.

Tatum, who helped the Celtics win the NBA championship in 2023-24, averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and a career-high 6.0 assists in 72 games last season.

--Field Level Media