Charles Barkley Makes Kevin Durant Suggestion To Jayson Tatum After Injury

Devastating news struck on Tuesday, as it was confirmed what everyone had believed: Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles.

The Boston Celtics superstar is now facing a long, long rehab, as the grueling injury has impacted many players in major ways.

The Celtics, down 3-1 to the New York Knicks, are likely headed to a playoff exit in the second round, too.

If there is one player who understands an awful Achilles rupture, it's Kevin Durant -- who suffered one at 30-years-old.

Durant, then with the Golden State Warriors, made a remarkable comeback to the hardwood. He joined the Brooklyn Nets and became an arguably better version of himself.

Tatum, who is 27-years-old, will be missing a year of his prime, though replicating Durant's recovery could allow him to maximize what he has left of his prime.

The Phoenix Suns superstar was an anomaly, though. Achilles tears and ruptures used to be nearly career-ending.

Modern medicine and tactics make a return feasible, though some struggle to return to their previous form. Durant not only returned to form, but he surpassed that play and improved.

Charles Barkley has suggestion for Tatum

Charles Barkley put it simply: Tatum needs to call Durant.

"First call I would make is to Kevin Durant... [he's] six years removed from the time he blew out his Achilles... the best experience is somebody who's already experienced it before," Barkley suggested on NBA on TNT.

"First call I would make is to Kevin Durant... [he's] six years removed from the time he blew out his Achilles... the best experience is somebody who's already experienced it before."

Charles Barkley on Jayson Tatum's season-ending Achilles injury.pic.twitter.com/LFEYJXYJrn

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 13, 2025

Durant has joined LeBron James and Stephen Curry as a group of marquee players who have played well passed traditional "prime years." 

Unlike James and Curry, Durant blew his Achilles. However, his return was inspirational, and Tatum should certainly look into asking for some pointers ahead of his recovery, as he's got plenty in the tank to add to his already-remarkable career.