Jayson Tatum is one of the most well-known and talented basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and he is rapidly gaining followers globally. During the recent playoff season, the devastating news of his ruptured Achilles tendon struck the media, shocking both Boston Celtics fans and his own teammates.
During a game against the New York Knicks, Tatum lunged for a loose ball and fell awkwardly, clutching his leg in wicked pain. He was wheeled off the court after scoring 42 points, leaving behind an unsettled aftermath.
In a competitive and fast-paced sport like basketball, injuries are inevitable. Over the course of NBA history, players have gotten hurt in various ways. Some spectators, nowadays, can tell whether someone is severely injured or not just seconds after. Boston Latin School Classics teacher Mr. Michael Howard shares his insight: “As soon as [Tatum] went down, I knew [he hurt his] Achilles.”
Despite this, it is impossible to be accustomed to such an event. An injury can either make or break a player in a sport like basketball.
As an injured athlete herself, Lia Ogando (IV) specifically felt “shocked and surprised” after hearing the unfortunate news on Instagram. As both a basketball player and a Bostonian, this news really hit hard. Many athletes similarly sympathize with Tatum and are both confused and concerned about his future and his career.
Following such events, the future of the Celtics has also come into question. As a key contributor, Tatum has been relied on by many for his role in the team’s success. Without him, fans are concerned that the Celtics will not succeed or play at the same level in future endeavors. The loss of the playoffs following his absence only reinforces these concerns.
Even as an individual player, Tatum’s role on the team is undeniable. Kim Dinh (IV) believes that “one player, no matter how important they are, can have the ability to affect the whole team’s performance. His absence will cause a setback for the team.” As someone who does not watch basketball, Dinh forms her opinion based on her knowledge of a strong team connection and its impact on team performance. When it comes to any team, all members are critical.
Regardless of the recent negative reaction to Tatum’s injury, many stay hopeful. Mr. Howard maintains his hopes for the Celtics, sharing, “I have a more positive view. I think the team will not be the same level of great, but will rally around [Tatum]. I believe the team can help him recover from his injury, and he will.” In contrast to the majority opinion, Mr. Howard continues to hold faith in the Celtics and their ability to return from this setback as a stronger team.
Coming from inside the team itself, Derrick White, who has built a close bond with Tatum, says, “Obviously, it’s tough to see. I texted him. And that was kind of all I could do […] [to] just tell him that we believe in him and he’s going to have a great comeback from this setback.”
White embodies the moral support a team member should have for their teammates, remaining both professional and respectful about the seriousness of the situation. Many more of his teammates also show their kindness, support and sympathy, prioritizing Tatum’s well-being.
Celtics Assistant Coach Sam Cassel is optimistic that Tatum will return to his best after he recovers from surgery, but expects that he will miss a major portion of the next season. They hope to grow from this incident — both Cassel and the Celtics emphasize that even when something irreversible happens, all you can do is move forward.
Cassel states, “We’ll grow from this as a staff. We’ll grow from this as a team. We’re the Boston Celtics, baby.”