Jayson Tatum throws down dunks in rehab workout before Pistons showdown

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Jayson Tatum throws down dunks in rehab workout before Pistons showdown

Brian Robb, Souichi Terada · MassLive

Mon, Jan 19, 2026 ·

3 min read

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DETROIT — Jayson Tatum took part in an intensive workout with Celtics coaches after the team’s shootaround Monday in Michigan. It was the latest look into his long rehab process from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

It’s still unclear exactly when he’ll be cleared to return, but the Celtics star appears to be progressing well in his rehab. Monday was one of the longest workouts he’s done in front of media since the injury. The veteran forward did shooting, dribbling and 1-on-1 drills with assistant coach Tony Dobbins, taking some contact on drives, as well. Celtics fans will be happy to hear Tatum also threw down some dunks Monday.

“It’s been amazing to see,” Derrick White said. “Obviously, all the work he’s put in. You just kind of see him being around more and being able to do more, so that’s exciting to see as a friend. So, every day he’s been working hard and it’s good to see all that hard work add to some more movement and more opportunities.”

The All-Star has been a consistent presence on the Celtics sidelines this season, traveling for nearly all of the team’s road trips. He’s firmly still part of the team as he’ll given his input during team meetings and film sessions.

Tatum has not spoken publicly about his recovery for about a month. He last updated his status appearing on the Morris Code Show with former teammate Marcus Morris .

“I’m feeling good,” Tatum said in early December. “Man, it’s been a journey. This rehab (expletive) ain’t no joke. ... This is the strongest I’ve ever been. This is the best the rest of my body has ever felt.”

Tatum underwent surgery to repair his torn Achilles on May 13, 2025, which means he is now about eight months and one week into his recovery. Tatum’s father, Justin, told ESPN’s Marc Spears last May that the Celtics star was aiming for a return to the floor after 8-9 months.

The Celtics have been clear throughout Tatum’s rehab process that there’s no timetable for his return. While the C’s have exceeded expectations with a 26-15 record, good for second in the East, they stressed they’re not going to rush Tatum back. The goal is get him back to 100% before he touches the NBA court again.

The anticipation is certainly exciting for C’s fans, though, as it’s obvious that he’s getting stronger and stronger. The latest data point Monday was a glimpse into his status, though workouts don’t necessarily mean he’ll be coming back soon. But with the C’s at the midway point of their season, there’s growing optimism for a Tatum comeback soon.

“You know he doesn’t want to watch,” White said. “He wants to get out there and play. But he’s been amazing just supporting every game. Just having him over there, it’s been a lot of fun. I have no idea exactly what the timeline is or how he’s doing, but it’s just good to see him moving around and just supporting us.”

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