The Boston Celtics’ Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks has taken a devastating turn with Jayson Tatum suffering a career-altering injury. The 27-year-old’s ruptured Achilles tendon will require surgery and no timetable for return, leaving the team reeling.
Tatum’s injury is a harsh reminder that winning in the NBA comes at a cost. With the new CBA’s harsher penalties for high payrolls, teams are under pressure to maintain roster health. The Celtics’ decision to build around Tatum and Jaylen Brown has made them vulnerable to this reality.
With Tatum out for most of next season, the Celtics will enter the offseason as an unknown quantity. Their goal, set by president Brad Stevens, was to make the team sustainable despite potential ups and downs. However, the CBA’s luxury tax system and draft pick freeze could make it challenging to maintain competitiveness.
The injury also raises questions about the shelf life of star pairings in a cap-constrained system. The Warriors’ rebuild after Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury provides a possible path forward for the Celtics. While they can retool their roster, the key difference is that they have Steph Curry to anchor their team.
As the league tries to navigate this new reality, the Celtics will be the focal point of attention. Their ability to adapt and maintain competitiveness under the CBA’s constraints will be crucial in determining the future of the franchise.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6355671/2025/05/14/jayson-tatum-celtics-injury-nba-future-change