Kevin Durant knows what Jayson Tatum is going through. Six years after Durant tore his Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals, Tatum did the same back in May. With that, Tatum has a long road to recovery before he returns to the court.
However, even after suffering perhaps the worst injury a basketball star like Tatum can suffer, his recovery is actually going better and faster than many would have imagined. Durant himself is among those who are rooting for him.
How Did Kevin Durant Show Support for Jayson Tatum?
Following the latest clip of Tatum back on the court doing some exercises only four months after he tore his Achilles, Durant sent a four-word message via his X account: “Insane. Let’s get it JT.”
Despite never being teammates throughout their respective NBA careers, Durant and Tatum have a pretty well-known friendship. It makes sense that Durant is cheering for Tatum to come back at full strength, and not just because of their rapport with one another.
Durant himself is one of the NBA’s best success stories from an Achilles tear. After spending a year and a half on the shelf after tearing his ACL in his last year with the Golden State Warriors, he came back without any setbacks. Sure, he’s had his fair share of injuries since then, but when he is at full strength, Durant hasn’t had anything hold him back when he plays.
Insane. Let’s get it JT https://t.co/SoMVHo0g3i
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) September 28, 2025
Tatum could do the same, but what’s most exciting about his recovery is how quickly it is coming along. Already playing on the court to do drills a little over four months after tearing his Achilles tendon is unprecedented for someone who tore his Achilles tendon.
In the clip released on Saturday, Tatum was seen working on a series of dribble moves, lateral-movement drills, and jogging up and down the court.
“It’s been a long journey,” Tatum said in the video. “Nineteen-and-a-half weeks, but I always say brighter days ahead. A lot of things to look forward to. Just finished my third workout, so I’m finally back on the court.
“I just want everybody to know, man, I appreciate the love and support. It’s been a long journey, but I’m working my tail off to get back, to get healthy, for the love of the game obviously, and then for the fans that support me and the team. So, I appreciate the support.”
However, rushing back from such a serious injury may not be the best move, as Achilles tears typically make athletes vulnerable to further suffering. That’s why Durant took his time to return to the floor. Notably, NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, also recovering from ACL tears, have repeatedly mentioned that they will not rush their way back.
Regardless, Tatum has quite the cheerleader for his recovery with Durant rooting for him to come back. On Thursday, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens had also praised Tatum. “My No. 1 goal, my No. 2 goal, No. 3 goal, No. 4 goal is Jayson Tatum fully healthy, full recovery,” Stevens said, “And he’s well on his way.” Stevens also noted that Tatum is “going to be itching to get back.” The latest clip only validates the statement.