"We're All In The Same Boat": Jayson Tatum Talks About Communicating With Other NBA Stars Who Injured Their Achilles

Jayson Tatum’s 2025 playoff run came to a grinding halt when he tore his Achilles tendon during the Boston Celtics’ second-round matchup against the New York Knicks. While recovering from a major injury like this is physically and emotionally draining, the Celtics superstar revealed that he’s been drawing strength from a support system.

Appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” this week, Tatum revealed that this support system consists of other NBA players who have been through the predicament of a torn Achilles.

“We have all been in communication,” Tatum said. “Dejounte Murray is somebody [in this group]. Dame and Tyrese, whom I’ve talked to throughout.”

Like Tatum, the trio of New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, former Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, and Indiana Pacers floor general Tyrese Haliburton all sustained their Achilles injuries this season. The magnitude and unique timing of their injuries have brought all four players closer, a unique bond rooted in hope for recovery.

Recognizing that the other players are at different points in their rehabilitation, Tatum revealed that he’s been seeking advice from those who are farther along than he is in terms of progress.

“I text Dame and Dejounte all the time, because they’re ahead of me. ‘Yo, what are you doing now? What are your workouts looking like now?’ We’re all just in the same boat, just checking up on each other and keeping in touch. It’s been very helpful,” Tatum added.

Murray, who tore his Achilles in late January, was the first of this quartet to begin his recuperation. Lillard got injured in the first round of the playoffs, while Haliburton ran into a mishap in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

The recovery process for Achilles injuries is an arduous one, taking anywhere between 10 months and 18 months. As a result of the injuries suffered by Tatum and Haliburton, many pundits have claimed that the top spot of the Eastern Conference is very much up for grabs this coming season. 

With Tatum’s Celtics and Haliburton’s Pacers expected to see a dip in their winning ways, teams like the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks could be locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the East. Up-and-coming ball clubs like the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic could also pose a threat.

In the meantime, Tatum will take all the time he needs to finish his recovery. At the very least, he isn’t going down this road of rehabilitation by his lonesome.