Whether or not Duke Blue Devils legend Jayson Tatum returns from injury this NBA season will be determined by one key factor.
Former Duke Blue Devils star Jayson Tatum has yet to play for the Boston Celtics this NBA season, and history indicates that he probably shouldn't be taking the floor at all during the 2025-26 campaign.
Tatum tore his Achilles in the playoffs last May, and the immediate consensus was that the Duke product would be sidelined for all of the following season.
But with the Celtics looking like contenders in the Eastern Conference, Tatum seems to be angling toward a return, and it could come as soon as next month.
So, will the six-time All-Star actually find his way back on to the hardwood this year?
NBA insider Jake Fischer has revealed one major hint that will likely determine whether or not Tatum will play for Boston before the end of the campaign.
“One well-placed observer whispered this week that the Celtics' deadline business — whether they trade for a big man or not and how significant the trade is — should serve as a useful hint about their plans for an in-season comeback from Jayson Tatum," Fischer wrote.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.In other words, if the Celtics swing an impactful trade before the Feb. 5 deadline, it may indicate that a Tatum return is imminent. If not, then perhaps the former No. 3 overall pick will sit for the remainder of the year.
Tatum spent one season at Duke in 2016-17, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 45.2/34.2/84.9 shooting splits.
He was then selected by Boston in the NBA Draft that summer and has since established himself as one of the best player in basketball.
In addition to his All-Star appearances, Tatum has also earned four First-Team All-NBA selections and, most importantly, led the C's to a championship in 2023-24.
Tatum owns career averages of 23.6 points, 7.3 boards and 3.8 assists while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor, 37 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line.
The Celtics signed Tatum to a record-breaking five-year, $315 million contract extension in July 2024, so they definitely need to be careful not to rush the superstar back on to the court.
We'll see if Tatum — who is know Duke's chief basketball officer — ultimately makes his return at some point this season.