Jayson Tatum had one of the most sombre endings to the season. After dominating significantly in the regular season, Tatum’s run was cut short by injury. And if that was not enough, he also had one of the most heartbreaking outings when the Boston Celtics lost their conference semis against the New York Knicks. Now, with no other options left, Tatum is looking to come back stronger in the next season. And for that, he is expected to turn to Kevin Durant.
Dealing with an Achilles injury is not something easy. Over the years, many notable NBA athletes have been a victim of the same. However, it was Kevin Durant in 2019, who changed the narrative of how exactly an athlete should approach the injury. Missing the entirety of the 2019-20 season, Durant missed 18 months of action. However, once he came back, Durant has continued to play with the same intensity as before. Thus, his approach towards the ACL tear is considered the gold standard. And it is exactly why Tatum too, is resorting to the same.
“The expectation around Tatum is that he’ll consult with Kevin Durant about that rehab that Kevin Durant had several years ago and that’s going to be used as a template because Durant made the best recovery of a player from this injury,” Shams Charania said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Countdown.’
Jayson Tatum will reportedly talk with Kevin Durant about his rehab and use him as the template for his own rehab
— jb (@lockedupjb) May 17, 2025
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/QheFiePqfu
Surely, the absence of Jayson Tatum cost the Celtics dearly. And Tatum knew this the moment he incurred his injury. That is why, he shared a 2-word question for his father soon after his injury.
Heartbroken Jayson Tatum Questions His Father About Ill-Fate
Jayson Tatum suffered a non-contact injury in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Attempting to retrieve a loose ball, Tatum was seen in significant pain. Fathoming the impending doom falling on him, Tatum turned to his father and asked, “Why me?”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
This was conveyed by Marc J. Spears on ESPN, as he spoke to Tatum’s dad. Justin, Jayson’s father, assured his son and asked him to keep faith in God.
“Son, this is God’s will. You’re young, you’re going to get through this,” said Jayson’s father.
Jayson Tatum had an emotion conversation with his dad and asked him “why me?”
— Savage (@SavageSports_) May 14, 2025
He reminded him he’s young and will get through this, just like Kobe Bryant.
😢pic.twitter.com/t1pSMrNClJ
Now then, with Tatum resorting to Kevin Durant, it remains to be seen if he can replicate Durant’s success post the rehab.
Also Read: Jayson Tatum Reflects On The Heavy Burden Of Being ‘That Guy’ Amid Celtics Playoff Struggles
