Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury a brutal blow to NBA

One of the NBA’s brightest young stars is potentially going to be out until 2027.

Boston Celtics’ forward Jayson Tatum, in the midst of one of his best playoff performances in his career, tore his right Achilles in the Celtics’ game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, Tatum underwent surgery to repair the injury, and a “long rehab” awaits.

Tatum’s injury not only took the air out of Madison Square Garden, and not only does this affect the Celtics this year, but it could have major implications for the NBA going forward.

In the short term, this is a devastating blow to a Celtics team that hoped to repeat as champions. Tatum was the focal point on both sides of the ball, and with him out and facing a 3-1 hole, the Celtics’ chances at a repeat get extremely slim. Outside of Boston, however, the title race is wide open. The Knicks’ odds of winning the entire thing go up drastically with this injury, and the Indiana Pacers could reach the NBA Finals if they dispatch the Cavaliers. In the west, the Thunder and Nuggets are still knotted at two games apiece, in a series that might go to seven. The Timberwolves are on the brink of making another conference final after getting out to a 3-1 lead over the Warriors. With the Celtics potentially on their way out, the title race becomes anyones’ game.

Beyond this season, however, the details might get even more grim for Boston. Given the severity of the injury and when it took place, Tatum could end up returning in 2027. Achilles injury timelines vary depending on the severity, but Tatum and the Celtics could be looking at a whole year lost due to surgery and the recovery timeline. Given that the Celtics’ franchise player will be out for all of 2026, Boston is faced with some big financial implications. They’re well over the second apron when it comes to contracts, and it handicaps them if they want to make any additions to the team. What this means is that this version of the Celtics is one we might never see again. Starters will have to be dumped for salary reasons (Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday come to mind), and with Tatum out forward Jaylen Brown will have to keep the Celtics’ head above water for at least 2026.

Outside of Boston, that means the Eastern Conference is potentially wide open. Tatum will be out and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo could be seeking a trade, meaning the chances for teams like the Pacers or Knicks to potentially repeat as conference champions are right now. Even beyond those teams, franchises on the rise like the Orlando Magic could make a deep run, and you can never count out the Miami Heat, who are looking to add more firepower this offseason.

Tatum’s injury sent shockwaves not only through MSG, but through the entire NBA. While much is uncertain right now, one thing is for sure: the NBA won’t look the same the next time Tatum suits up.