NBA legend and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shared how he has a ‘bad feeling’ in regards to how Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is handling his Achilles rehab process.
Barkley shared on ESPN’s Inside the NBA that he has a feeling Tatum will return this season, but also worries that it is a bit rushed.
"I got a bad feeling Jayson Tatum is coming back," Barkley said. Normally, when guys have an Achilles, they are out for a year. What I saw him doing last week, he's going to come back this year."
While Barkley shared he is worried, he also stated that it is wonderful to see Tatum progress well in rehab.
"It's a great thing but I don't think we ever had a player come back from an Achilles [this soon]," Barkley said. "This dude out here dunking and everything. He's got another four or five months to go. They wouldn't have put him in front of the media in my opinion. They did that intentionally."
Will Jayson Tatum Return in Time to Push Boston Back Into Title Contention?
Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the New York Knicks in mid-May last season. The Celtics dropped those series and failed to repeat as champions in part because of Tatum’s injury.
The 27-year-old has progressed well and is far ahead of schedule. While that is the case, there has been no confirmed timeline for a possible return. Still, Tatum is working tirelessly and even showed off his dunking skills, as he is seven months removed from surgery.
The Celtics have been far and away the most surprising team in the league. As things stand, they have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 29 -17.
Boston has kept their head above water and then some without Tatum. If he returns this season, the Celtics could be serious threats to make another deep playoff run.
Tatum has spent his entire career in Boston, averaging 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 585 career games.
Newsweek