NBA champion Jayson Tatum makes major career move as he returns to college basketball on Duke's staff

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is heading back to college basketball.

After rupturing his Achilles in last year's playoffs, Tatum isn't expected to feature on an NBA court for some time and has spent the summer focused on his recovery.

However, it appears he's also been working alongside his former college Duke after they confirmed on Tuesday that he will now serve as their Chief Basketball Officer.

The role, specially created for Tatum, will see him share his basketball knowledge with Duke coach Jon Scheyer and players on the team. 

The Celtics star will also provide 'guidance on basketball development, leadership and life as a successful athlete.'

Speaking about the move, Tatum said: 'I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke's first Chief Basketball Officer. 

'This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here. I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. 

'To have a role that formalizes my relationship with the program and broadens 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.'

Meanwhile, a Duke statement read: 'Tatum will volunteer his time as a special advisor to [Jon] Scheyer and the Duke program, bringing championship-level insight and professional basketball experience to player development, leadership, and life as an elite athlete. 

'Tatum, who starred for the Blue Devils in 2016–17 before launching a decorated NBA career, will leverage the lessons he first learned in Durham to help prepare current Blue Devils for success both on and off the court.'

The announcement comes just a week after Tatum was spotted at the Blue Devils' 'Countdown to Craziness' event. 

Tatum becomes the latest current NBA star to make such a move, after Steph Curry joined his former college as assistant general manager earlier this year.

Tatum, meanwhile, tore his right Achilles tendon against the New York Knicks in May, after he lunged toward a loose ball late in the fourth quarter and his leg gave out. 

After writing on the floor in agony, he buried his face in a towel before needing a wheelchair to make it back to the locker room.

He underwent surgery before later sharing a captioned thumbs-up picture from his hospital bed by saying: 'Thankful for all the love and support.'

No timeline has been given for Tatum's return by the Celtics but ruptures can, in the very worst case, take up to 12 months to fully heal.