When Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear back in May, it presumably meant the Celtics star was in for a lengthy recovery that could keep him out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.

Tatum might be built different, though. After all, he's already dunking.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Tatum has the goal of returning to play for this season. He's been slowly ramping up his activity level in workouts. And while he's not going to rush into full basketball action, Tatum made it clear that he's comfortable playing above the rim just five months post-surgery.

In a video from the Celtics' facility, Tatum went up for a two-handed dunk on a no-step approach. And he made it look easy.

Of course, it helps being 6-foot-8. But the fact that he's already able to clear that physical and mental barrier so quickly after a major injury has to be super encouraging. He looked comfortable with the landing as well.

Needless to say, NBA fans were super pumped to see Tatum's progress reach that point so soon.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jayson Tatum wowed NBA fans with a dunk just 5 months after Achilles tear

Reporting by Andrew Joseph, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect