The Boston Celtics believe Jayson Tatum and his recovery is moving at a pace rarely seen in the NBA.
The 27-year-old forward underwent surgery less than 12 hours after rupturing his Achilles in Game 4 of the Celtics’ second-round series against the New York Knicks. Just four months later, he’s already back on the court participating in drills, something he showcased in a recent YouTube video that stunned fans and teammates alike.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg believes this could be groundbreaking.
“I think we’re watching something potentially unprecedented in terms of how quickly he can get back to a high level,” Forsberg said Monday on Arbella Early Edition. “There are still a lot of hurdles to go. It’s still a long time. I don’t think they’re going to rush this at all. But you can’t watch that video and then say, ‘Oh, a 200-day season and he’s not going to be back.’”
Tatum’s surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley in New York, a specialist who has utilized a procedure known as the “SpeedBridge” repair, which has been linked to faster returns. While it’s not confirmed if Tatum underwent that exact procedure, Forsberg highlighted just how unusual the timeline has been.
“You have to understand, they got him into surgery at an unprecedented rate,” Forsberg said. “No one has ever torn their Achilles and then been into surgery less than 12 hours before. Nobody who has (had) this injury in the NBA has gotten this SpeedBridge procedure in that situation and then been back to rehabbing on this aggressive timeline.”
Forsberg admitted his return projection is shifting earlier.
“I’m gonna move it up. I’m into February now, and maybe I’ll be in January at some point,” he said. “I can’t watch that tape and not think to myself he’s going to be back on a basketball court sooner than later, as long as everyone is confident he cannot re-aggravate this injury, and he is at a point where the strength is enough.”
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