For much of Jayson Tatum’s life, he grew up idolizing the late Kobe Bryant. Now he’ll have to overcome one of the same obstacles the Black Mamba did.

Taking to Instagram for the first time since Monday night’s devastating Achilles injury, the Celtics superstar forward had a message for fans wishing him well after his surgery.

“Thankful for all the love and support 🙏🏼,” Tatum prayed.

 

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The six-time All-Star’s comments were flooded with folks rooting for his return.

“We love you JT 💚,” his franchise replied.

“Rest up champ. 1 game hasn’t even been played and Celtics Nation already misses you. The comeback will be LEGENDARY,” a fan said.

“REST UP CHAMP!!! whole city of Boston behind you 🤞🏼💚☘️,” another shared.

“The come back gonna be epic! 🍀,” a user cheered.

“we love u JT, get well soon❤️‍🩹☘️.”

“The comeback will be a story that will be told for thousands of years,” another person predicted. “Rest Up Big Deuce.”

“🤎🫶🏾 rest up! Can’t wait to see the force you’re gonna be when you get back !!!”

Mar 15, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.

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Tatum tallied 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting before going down in immense pain with three minutes to go in Game 4’s 121-113 loss.

The former No. 3 pick was officially diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles and underwent successful surgery the following day. And while not impossible to work his way back from, it’s certainly an injury that has the potential to alter Tatum’s career.

Here’s to hoping he’s able to come back better than ever when he’s finally able to return to the floor. The Celtics take on the Knicks tonight at 7 PM ET in what could be a closeout game at The Garden with New York up 3-1.