While the injury shouldn't derail Tatum's career, it does give the Celtics a major obstacle to overcome. Boston has been to the conference finals five times and has had a pair of NBA Finals appearances—including a win last year—since 2017. Much of that success, especially over the past five or so years, has been largely due to Tatum.

Jayson Tatum's heart-wrenching conversation with his father, Justin, immediately after he went through his Achilles injury, was shared by an NBA insider.

Tatum posted an encouraging update for his fans on Wednesday by sharing a picture of him in his hospital bed giving a thumbs up while he recovers from his surgery. Celtics coach J