Celtics Turn Heads With Jayson Tatum Announcement on Monday

Jayson Tatum’s incredible 2024-25 season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking halt after he suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon late in Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinals defeat to the Knicks. At the peak of his form, Tatum was the engine of the Celtics’ offense—but the injury derailed not only his momentum but also Boston’s title aspirations.

Before the setback, Tatum was having a season for the ages. In 72 games, he averaged a career-best 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 45.2% overall and 34.3% from deep. He broke multiple franchise records, including becoming the only Celtics player to log 40+ points, 15+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ threes in a single game, and joining Larry Bird as the only Celt to post a 40-point triple-double.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).

© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Amid his recovery, the Celtics took to social media on Monday with a tribute. Pointing out that Tatum led the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals, Boston also announced Tatum had been its Team MVP for the 2024-25 season.

"That's our MVP," the team wrote.

Celtics fans reacted to this news on X.

"How’s that even possible 👑," said one.

"Champ 🐐," said another.

"Best in the league when healthy and it isn’t close," one added.

"And the league’s MVP in 2026/27," one wrote.

"Real MVP," one added.

Despite never winning the league MVP award, which went to Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tatum was a contender for much of the season and ultimately finished fourth in MVP voting.

Currently in recovery from surgery, Tatum is expected to miss eight to nine months, with typical Achilles rehab timelines ranging from nine to twelve months. That suggests a hopeful return in early 2026—though his presence next season remains up in the air.