The landscape for Jayson Tatum’s highly anticipated return to the Boston Celtics’ parquet floor for the 2025-26 NBA season has seen an unexpected shift, with a recent report suggesting the superstar forward’s Achilles injury recovery is progressing remarkably well.

Initial assessments following the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks in May painted a cautious picture. The severity of Tatum’s torn Achilles, coupled with its late-season timing, indicated a lengthy rehabilitation period that would likely sideline him for the entirety of the upcoming campaign.

However, a surprising revelation from a veteran NBA scout has injected a significant dose of optimism into the situation. The scout, who observed Tatum during a basketball camp in Las Vegas, noted the player’s striking mobility and, most remarkably, his complete absence of a protective boot.

According to the scout, Jayson Tatum was “moving really well,” an observation that challenged conventional expectations for such a severe ailment. The lack of a boot was particularly astonishing, signaling a potentially accelerated NBA recovery timeline compared to typical cases of Achilles tears.

While explicitly stating, “I’m no doctor,” the scout’s extensive experience observing athletes return from similar injuries lends considerable weight to his assessment. He emphatically stated that Tatum “looked way ahead” in his rehabilitation, expressing genuine shock at the fluidity of his movements at this stage of his recovery.

Beyond just walking, the scout further detailed that while Tatum wasn’t engaged in running or jogging, he appeared to be “in great shape,” underscoring his dedication to the rigorous rehab process. This physical readiness, even in early stages, is a critical indicator of positive progress.

This promising update comes just over two months into Tatum’s recovery from the torn Achilles. Previous reports and images shared by the 27-year-old Boston Celtics forward in June depicted him engaged in pool workouts, highlighting his consistent effort and commitment to regaining full strength.

Such encouraging signs suggest that the basketball news surrounding Tatum’s potential return could lean towards a more favorable timeline than originally feared. While the Celtics’ medical staff will undoubtedly dictate his official return, these early observations provide a compelling glimpse into the star’s determined path back to elite competition.