Jayson Tatum’s Achilles Tendon Surgery: What It Means for the Celtics’ Star’s Future

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery on his ruptured right Achilles tendon. This injury will keep him out for the rest of the playoffs, as announced by the team.

The news came right after Tatum suffered his injury during a tough Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Falling behind 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals puts a lot of pressure on the Celtics, who are hoping to repeat as champions.

Tatum has been on fire, leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists, averaging 28.1, 11.5, and 5.4 respectively. However, his injury means the Celtics will have to rely heavily on other players, like All-Star Jaylen Brown. Brown had his own struggles this postseason due to a knee issue, but he remains confident. “We’ve got enough in this locker room,” he said. “I believe in my guys.”

In the NBA, teams facing a 3-1 deficit historically have a 95.6% chance of losing the series. Only 13 teams have managed to come back and win. One notable example is the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, who overturned a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors to win the championship, showcasing that it’s possible but incredibly challenging.

In terms of Tatum’s recovery, it’s worth noting that Kevin Durant missed the entire 2019-2020 season after his own Achilles injury. Tatum, however, is expected to make a full recovery. The Celtics haven’t stated a specific timeline for his return, but they believe he will bounce back strong.

The impact of Tatum’s injury may extend beyond just this season. Boston is facing a hefty payroll situation. With Tatum recently signing a five-year, $314 million contract and Brown under a similar deal, their salary cap will exceed $225 million next season, potentially triggering a luxury tax of almost $280 million. This may lead ownership to consider roster changes moving forward.

Fans are reacting vigorously on social media, expressing their concern but also rallying behind the remaining players. Hashtags related to the Celtics and Tatum are trending as supporters unite to show their loyalty and hope for a comeback in light of these challenges.

This season, no matter how it unfolds, will likely be a turning point for the Celtics. If they can pull together and overcome the odds, it could make for an unforgettable playoff run.

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Jayson Tatum torn Achilles