Celtics star Jayson Tatum refuses to skip workout on Christmas Eve
While the rest of the NBA world was settling in for eggnog and last-minute gift wrapping on Tuesday night, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum had a different agenda. In a league where availability is the best ability, the All-NBA forward sent a resounding message to the rest of the Eastern Conference: the holidays do not stop the grind.
On Christmas Eve, Tatum was spotted at the Auerbach Center, putting in a grueling rehabilitation workout as he continues his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The image of Tatum, drenched in sweat on the empty parquet floor while the rest of the city quieted down for the holiday, quickly circulated on social media, serving as a beacon of hope for the Celtics faithful.
The context of this workout cannot be overstated. Since suffering the devastating injury against the New York Knicks last May, Tatum has been locked in a solitary battle to return to the court. While Brad Stevens and the front office have remained cautious with public timelines, whispering only that the star is "ahead of schedule," Tatum’s choice to spend Christmas Eve in the gym suggests a player accelerating toward a return.
For the Celtics, who have managed a respectable 18-11 record to sit third in the East without their franchise cornerstone, this display of dedication is a morale booster. The team has stayed competitive through a "next man up" mentality, but the ceiling of this roster remains theoretically capped until No. 0 returns to the lineup.
Tatum’s refusal to skip a day, even on a major holiday, underscores the leadership equity he has built in Boston. It is a reminder that despite the team's solid performance in his absence, the ultimate goal—a championship—requires his presence. By clocking in when no one was watching, Jayson Tatum didn't just work on his ankle; he signaled to his teammates and rivals alike that his return isn't just a possibility—it is imminent, and he intends to be ready the moment he is cleared.
On Christmas Eve, Tatum was spotted at the Auerbach Center, putting in a grueling rehabilitation workout as he continues his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The image of Tatum, drenched in sweat on the empty parquet floor while the rest of the city quieted down for the holiday, quickly circulated on social media, serving as a beacon of hope for the Celtics faithful.
The context of this workout cannot be overstated. Since suffering the devastating injury against the New York Knicks last May, Tatum has been locked in a solitary battle to return to the court. While Brad Stevens and the front office have remained cautious with public timelines, whispering only that the star is "ahead of schedule," Tatum’s choice to spend Christmas Eve in the gym suggests a player accelerating toward a return.
For the Celtics, who have managed a respectable 18-11 record to sit third in the East without their franchise cornerstone, this display of dedication is a morale booster. The team has stayed competitive through a "next man up" mentality, but the ceiling of this roster remains theoretically capped until No. 0 returns to the lineup.
Tatum’s refusal to skip a day, even on a major holiday, underscores the leadership equity he has built in Boston. It is a reminder that despite the team's solid performance in his absence, the ultimate goal—a championship—requires his presence. By clocking in when no one was watching, Jayson Tatum didn't just work on his ankle; he signaled to his teammates and rivals alike that his return isn't just a possibility—it is imminent, and he intends to be ready the moment he is cleared.
