Charles Barkley hopes Jason Tatum will call the former Golden State Warriors star after suffering a career-changing injury.
Since arriving in the NBA in 2017, Boston Celtics superstar Jason Tatum has been one of the most consistent players in the league.
Last season, Tatum helped the Celtics lift the glorious Larry O’Brien Trophy as the franchise won Championship No. 18.
Fans were hoping that Tatum and Co. would repeat last year’s success in 2025, but that dream was shattered after the Celtics’ Game 4 defeat. While C was down 3-1, there was growing news that Tatum had ruptured his right Achilles tendon when he underwent season-end surgery.
The torn Achilles tendon is one of the most devastating injuries for a basketball player. Given that Tatum is only 27 years old, it could potentially change his playing style for the rest of his NBA career.
With that in mind, Hall of Fame Charles Barkley urged the Celtics superstar to connect with Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and learn the ideal blueprint for recovery.
“The first one I call is Kevin Durant. The same thing I said (Victor) Wenbanyama about the blood clots and my first call would have been to Chris Bosch.
“Kevin Durant’s sixth year was ruled out when he blew Achilles out. He’s still a player hell, so that’s the first person I’ll call.
“Obviously you’ve got your own doctor, but the best experience is someone who’s already experienced it before,” Chuck added.
Fans want only the best one for Tatum, but they should still be prepared to see a potential reduction in the form of the Celtic Star after he returns from his injury.
Berkley gave Durant’s example as the Suns superstar tore his Achilles heel in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Despite suffering injuries that ended the careers of several NBA players, KD remains one of the best players in the league.
But that doesn’t mean that the slim Shinigami is the same player he was before his injury. Durant no longer drives the ball into the basket. KD’s defenses have also decreased since he returned from injury.
Plus, even after 18 months of recovery, Durant’s fitness was hit after tearing his Achilles tendon.
After all, Slim Reaper has played over 70 games only once in the last six years. Meanwhile, the healthy Durant played at least 70 games in eight of his first 12 years in the league, except for a shortened 2011-12 season.