Jayson Tatum Named Duke’s Chief Basketball Officer Amid Injury Recovery

Jayson Tatum won’t be able to start the 2025–26 NBA season with the Boston Celtics because of a ruptured Achilles sustained during the playoffs.

  The All-Star forward is discovering a new way to stay connected to his favorite sport. Tatum’s appointment as the newly appointed Chief Basketball Officer, a role created just for him, was announced by Duke University on Tuesday.

Tatum, a proud Duke alumnus, will collaborate closely with head coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils’ coaching staff. In his role, he offers advice on basketball development, leadership, and the life lessons that come with being a professional athlete.

Tatum will serve as a consultant and mentor, bringing his NBA experience to the program that started his career. According to Duke, the position was meant to ‘bridge the past and present’, allowing Tatum to guide current players while strengthening his connection with the university.

“Jayson embodies what it means to be a Duke basketball player — excellence, work ethic, and leadership,” Scheyer said in a statement. “Having him involved in shaping our program’s future is an incredible opportunity for our players.”

 

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Balancing Recovery and Mentorship

Tatum is at a pivotal time, despite the role at Duke not requiring a full-time commitment. The Achilles injury that has sidelined the six-time NBA All-Star for much of the season is expected to be a tough recovery for him. Despite his involvement with Duke, he can remain mentally engaged in basketball while focusing on physical rehabilitation. Tatum’s connection to Duke runs deep.

He was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017 after averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in his one season with the Blue Devils, helping the team win the NCAA Tournament. Over the years, he has become one of the NBA’s top talents, a perennial All-Star, and a key player in Boston’s championship hopes. Tatum has the opportunity to influence the next generation of Blue Devils by taking on this new advisory role. Duke’s rising stars can benefit from his journey from college standout to NBA superstar, as well as his resilience in facing adversity. Jayson Tatum proves that his impact goes beyond the court by continuing to lead, even when sidelined.