Drawing from his own comeback, Kevin Durant says the Boston Celtics forward is likely in the final phase.
When a superstar who’s endured a major injury talks about recovery, it carries weight - especially when he’s discussing another player facing the same challenge.
That’s why Kevin Durant’s perspective on Jayson Tatum stands out.
Durant knows what late-stage rehab feels like after his Achilles tear. When he spoke about Tatum at All-Star Media Day, it was real insight, not surface-level analysis.
Based on Durant’s comments, Tatum seems to be right where he should be.
“Usually around this time you're playing a lot of five-on-five, playing against live bodies, just trying to get your rhythm and tempo back,” Durant told the media.
This stage is more than medical clearance. It’s about regaining timing, conditioning, and comfort at full speed - things only live competition can bring.
Durant stressed there’s no single checkpoint for readiness. It’s about stacking good days.
“Getting up and down the floor, getting your conditioning right, and doing that consistently in the last phase is key to you stepping into the game, having an easier transition once you step into a game,” said the former league MVP, who tore his Achilles during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals.
Consistency is the real test. It’s the daily, behind-the-scenes work before a player returns to the spotlight. It’s the type of thing Tatum will be highlighting during his upcoming docuseries with NBC.
If Durant’s assessment is right, Tatum is already doing the necessary work.
February 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors and forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics and guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks and forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns celebrate with the trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)“I'm sure he's out there playing every day - one-on-ones, two-on-twos, five-on-fives - trying to get his rhythm,” said the two-time NBA champion.
This comment suggests it’s about timing, not uncertainty.
Durant was clear:
He expects Tatum to return to form when the time comes.
“I'm looking forward to seeing him get out there with his team,” said Durant, who missed the entire 2019-20 season after his injury in mid-June.
When asked what version of Tatum he expects to see, Durant didn’t hesitate.
“I expect to see All-Star level play and the same Jayson Tatum we've seen before he was injured,” said the 37-year-old, who has made the All-Star team every single season since returning from his Achilles injury seven years ago.
For the Celtics (35-19), this endorsement matters.
It’s not just optimism - it’s belief from someone who proved an elite return is possible after a major setback.
If Durant’s perspective means anything, the final steps are underway.
When Tatum returns, expectations won’t be scaled back.
It’s the same franchise cornerstone Boston has leaned on for years.
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.