Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum generated a boatload of buzz on Wednesday when he appeared on a handful of talk shows and revealed that he has a specific “goal” in mind for a return. Fans and analysts interpreted Tatum’s remarks to mean that he’s potentially on schedule to play in NBA games at some point late in 2025-26.

Basketball is better when Tatum is healthy, so it makes sense that JT’s comments caused a universal wave of optimism on social media, with reactions ranging from worry about Tatum rushing back, to moderate hopes that he can be back for the 2026 playoffs, and even one hilariously bogus claim about a November return.

While we’re pretty sure Tatum won’t be dunking on people by Thanksgiving, it’s worth noting that he has a real chance at one of the speediest recoveries

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