Tatum’s Leadership Inspires Boston Celtics, Even After Injury

Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-7feb6396-ab7f-45bc-b13a-df89810de505 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 1. The Celtics lost to the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs 4-2. Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-a9ad91fc-31f6-4e85-bd7e-af585c3ea672 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in Game 4 and will miss most of next season Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-df2d9695-eb97-44c8-b8b2-7e274647a470 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(29.117187373283905%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Despite the injury, Tatum’s presence still impacts the team’s energy Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-8adcb975-abd9-4879-b275-ee6f37a965e6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.27343738636794%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Jordan Walsh calls Tatum a "silent leader" for the Celtics Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-38a867e7-61f2-4e87-835f-75d01465cf8a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Tatum’s leadership is felt even without speaking much, says Walsh Photo by/Getty Images

[{"selector":"#anim-b0f7c402-4c9c-49f2-a56d-c5ac6d034a80 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-20.312499779414196%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Tatum’s recovery from his Achilles injury is progressing well Photo by/Getty Images Learn more

Walsh notices a big improvement in Tatum’s movement Photo by/Getty Images

Tatum’s commitment to recovery inspires the rest of the team Photo by/Getty Images Learn more