Jayson Tatum’s Season Ends with Achilles Injury: A Look at Recovery Timelines for NBA Stars
Boston Celtics’ All-Star Jayson Tatum faces a tough road ahead following a torn Achilles tendon suffered during a game at Madison Square Garden. The injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, and potential doubts loom for next year after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. At 27, Tatum is among the youngest in a list of high-profile players to experience this injury, but each case varies significantly in recovery timelines.
Typically, a full rupture, classified as a Grade 3 tear, involves a complete break of Achilles fibers. Notable NBA players have faced similar challenges. Kevin Durant, who tore his Achilles at age 30 on June 10, 2019, returned to action on December 22, 2020, after approximately 18 months. Upon his comeback, he exhibited stellar performance, averaging 26.9 points per game.
Klay Thompson also endured an Achilles tear at age 30 during a pickup game while rehabbing from an ACL injury. After about 14 months, he was back on the court and made a significant impact in securing his fourth NBA title. In contrast, Kobe Bryant’s Achilles injury at age 34 led to a swift recovery of roughly eight months; however, his subsequent injuries cut his career short.
Dominique Wilkins was the first high-profile case in 1992, returning just ten months later and finishing fifth in MVP voting upon his comeback. Wilkins’ successful rehabilitation offers hope for Tatum, as the sport continues to witness advancements in recovery from Achilles injuries. As Tatum begins his recovery journey, fans and experts alike will closely monitor his progress, hoping for a return to excellence next season.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
