Charles Barkley emphasized that while Jayson Tatum has his own medical team, the most valuable guidance would come from someone who has personally endured and successfully recovered from the same injury: Kevin Durant.

“First call I would make is to Kevin Durant,” Barkley said. “He’s six years removed from the time he blew out his Achilles, and he’s still a hell of a player.”

Kevin Durant’s injury

Durant suffered his Achilles rupture during the 2019 NBA Finals and missed the entire 2019-20 season. Since then, he has returned to All-Star form, proving that a full recovery is possible despite the severity of the injury.

Barkley pointed out that Tatum should lean on Durant’s experience not only to understand the physical rehabilitation process but also to gain insight into the mental and emotional challenges of returning to elite competition.

“You have your own doctors, but the best knowledge comes from someone who’s already gone through it,” Barkley explained.

The emotional toll of an NBA injury

Barkley, along with fellow analyst Jalen Rose, expressed their disappointment over the timing and severity of Tatum’s injury. Rose remarked that Tatum was poised to solidify his status as one of the league’s faces and help lead the Celtics to consecutive championships.

The injury not only ends Tatum’s 2024-25 season but also casts doubt on his availability for the next season, making the road to recovery even more daunting.

“It’s frustrating because it’s a move you make a thousand times a game,” Barkley said. “It’s just the luck of the draw with injuries.” He acknowledged the cruel nature of such a non-contact injury happening at such a crucial stage of the playoffs.

Optimism for Celtics’ future

Despite the Celtics facing elimination in the series against the New York Knicks, Barkley expressed confidence that Boston would rally to win Game 5. He also highlighted the importance of Tatum’s recovery for the franchise’s long-term outlook.

Tatum underwent surgery promptly after the injury, and while no official timeline for his return has been announced, Barkley’s advice to connect with Durant underscores a hopeful path forward. Durant’s successful comeback serves as a blueprint for Tatum and the Celtics as they prepare for a lengthy rehabilitation process.