The Boston Celtics suffered a double black eye in Game 4. They not only lost that contest but, more importantly, their superstar wingman, Jayson Tatum , due to a torn Achilles tendon. This has placed the team in a precarious spot as it denies them of a potent weapon that could help them overcome the 3-1 series deficit against the New York Knicks and advance to the next round. This unfortunate injury also changes how the franchise will look at their future, given the uncertainty of Tatum's availability next season and perhaps the ones to come.
In light of this devastating injury, many are wondering how JT will bounce back and if he'll still be able to perform at the same level once he returns. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley , though, has no doubt in his mind regarding what Jayson must do: turn to someone who has gone through the same thing for advice.
In that regard, the Celtics superstar must immediately get in touch with all-time great Kevin Durant .
After missing the entire 2019 Western Conference Finals, Durant returned to Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors to help his Golden State Warriors make a comeback and hopefully complete a rare "three-peat." After getting off to a scintillating start, KD tried to drive to the cup in the second quarter but crumbled to the floor, suffering an Achilles tendon tear that would keep him out for the 2019-2020 season.
However, Kevin has not just returned from that severe injury but has also flourished after that, averaging 27.9 points on 53 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. The Phoenix Suns superstar has also been named an All-Star four times and an All-NBA Team member twice during that stretch. Chuck pointed out that those accomplishments should compel Tatum to pick up the phone and give the "Slim Reaper" a call.
"First call I would make is to Kevin Durant . Because, same thing I told Wemby about the blood clot. My first call would have been to Chris Bosh. If I'm Jayson, I call Kevin Durant," Barkley said . "I think I saw the date, Kevin Durant is six years removed from the time he blew out his Achilles. And he's still a hell of a player."
"So that's the first person I would call. Say: 'Hey, tell me about what's going to happen. How to start the rehab.' I mean, obviously, you got your own doctors. But the best experience is somebody who's already experienced it before," he added.
Fans and pundits saw this year's playoffs as Tatum's chance to show everyone he is the league's top dog. After missing out on the NBA Finals MVP trophy last season and then getting benched for most of Team USA's gold medal run in the Paris Olympics this summer, JT was ready to prove himself. But fate had other plans.
"I looked at this playoff as going to be his chance to, like, show the world that he could be the face of the league," Jalen Rose shared. "He didn't get played during the USA Basketball gold medal game and that run. And I know being a champion, usually, that gets your summer going. They get a chance to coronate you, call you champion. And then Jaylen Brown won Finals MVP. So I felt like Jayson Tatum was going to use this as a breakout moment and repeat for the Celtics."
The former Duke star's injury also casts a dark cloud over the franchise. With him and Brown, the team had a dynamic duo they could count on to help them contend every season. However, with Jaylen now surrounded by an expensive and aging core, it's unclear how the Celtics will fare in future seasons.
"Getting hurt at this point of the season, it affects next season now. What do they do with trades? What do they do with draft picks? What do they do with Jrue Holiday? So it's unfortunate, Chuck. It's really unfortunate," the former "Fab Five" stalwart added.
The Celtics' season isn't over until the Knicks get a fourth victory. But for all intents and purposes, the C's know they have a tough road ahead.
