Image Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Embraces New NBA-NCAA Role While Sidelined by Achilles Recovery

Image Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has taken a new off-court role in the NBA as he continues to recover from torn Achilles. The injury he sustained in May during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, will keep him busy for most, if not all, of the upcoming NBA season. However, it seems that the 27-year-old has found ways to keep himself busy by joining the Duke Blue Devils as the Chief Basketball Officer for the men’s program.

Exclusive convo w/ Duke's 1st-ever CBO!!!!

WATCH: https://t.co/h2x4UTwkdv @jaytatum0 x @JonScheyer pic.twitter.com/pRuvduY4LJ
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) October 7, 2025

Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer announced on Tuesday that Tatum will be his special advisor, and use his knowledge and experience to help prepare young players for on and off court success. His duties will include serving as a mentor to the athletes, advising head coaches on roster building and joining virtual sessions with teams and coaching staff throughout the session.

“Jayson has been incredibly loyal to Duke since the day he committed, and this evolution represents the next step in how we connect The Brotherhood to the future of our players,” said Scheyer. “Jayson is the ultimate professional. His ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unmatched, and I could not be more excited to see the impact he will have on our team and our culture.”

Jayson Tatum Expresses his Excitement to Serve New Role with Alma Mater

Jayson Tatum, who went to Duke after being a top-five prospect, appeared in 29 games for the side. He averaged 33.3 minutes on court and posted an average of 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He was selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft. Expressing his excitement for the new role, the six-time NBA All-Star said, “This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here.”

CBO JT ➡️ peak Brotherhood 😈🤝@jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/xF0CeWCwbP
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) October 7, 2025

“I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. To have the chance to formalize my relationship with the program and broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me. As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”

With this, Tatum has joined the likes of other NBA stars Stephen Curry, Trae Young, and Terance Mann to get involved in a role with their alma mater. Curry joined Davidson as Assistant General Manager this past year, while Young was named the Assistant GM for the University of Oklahoma. The Nets guard, Mann, was named the Assistant GM at Florida State University.

Jayson Tatum

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.