Unlike Jayson Tatum, Bestfriend Matthew Tkachuk Has Found A Place In Charles Barkley’s Heart

Only a few days ago, Jayson Tatum won his first-ever NBA Championship and realized his lifelong dream. And while he is still busy riding that wave of success, JT’s joy was doubled last night as his childhood buddy Matthew Tkachuk also added a Champion tag next to his name by winning his first-ever Stanley Cup. But unlike Tatum, who has not received much appreciation from Hall of Famer Charles Barkley despite his win, Tkachuk won the former MVP’s heart long before he even became a Champion.

As the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 last night in a thrilling finish to lift the Stanley Cup, we were reminded of the time when Charles Barkley wouldn’t stop raving about Matthew Tkachuk during a segment on Inside the NBA. Impressed by Matthew’s amazing performance during the NHL East Finals and his iconic game-winning goal in the fourth game of the series, Barkley was left in awe of the Panthers star, “Matthew Tkachuk, we are not worthy… Oh my Goodness!”

Then, Chuck tipped his hat to the future first time Stanley Cup winner and gave him the nod over his legendary father Keith Tkachuk, who played in the NHL for eighteen years. “Mr. Tkachuk, I’m gonna pass the torch. You’re better than your dad Keith.” However, Keith might not be too bothered by Barkley picking his son over him right now, because Matthew achieved what was even his father’s dream. In fact, right after the Panthers won last night, Matthew took the Stanley Cup straight to his father and let him soak in all the glory that comes with it.

Meanwhile, a person who could be bothered by Barkley’s fandom for Tkachuk is Jayson Tatum, only because he is yet to receive the same treatment from the Hall of Famer. While Tatum and Matthew are part of two different sporting worlds, they once studied together at the Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, Missouri.

Moreover, they also rode the same school bus and even made goofy videos that are still available on YouTube. And while both childhood friends have become Champions in a span of a few weeks, Chuck has not been as kind to Tatum as he was to Matthew.

Charles Barkley’s frequent criticism of Jayson Tatum

Throughout Boston’s title run, Charles Barkley was frequently on and off the Celtics’ bandwagon. At times, he claimed that he would be surprised if Jayson Tatum and Co. didn’t win a title this year. And then, there were also times when he questioned if they had what it takes to win it all. Even when the Celtics were cruising through the Cavs in the second round, Barkley didn’t have full faith in the team because of one reason, “They are the worst offense I’ve seen for grown folks… The way they play offense right now, they can’t win a championship like that.”

Moreover, back in March, Barkley also questioned Tatum’s claim of being the best player in the league after the Celtics got dominated in a regular season game by the Nuggets. “One thing we didn’t see was a huge game from Jayson Tatum. Well, you can’t call yourself the best player in the league, then don’t show up.” Chuck remarked. While Barkley has been proven wrong with Boston lifting the title, the legend is yet to give props to Jayson Tatum for making him eat his words.

However, it looks like no love is lost between the two, as Chuck even interviewed Tatum during the Finals on NBA TV. Meanwhile, Tatum would be thrilled to watch his fellow St. Louis buddy win a title the same year as him, as he showed full support for Tkachuk right after the Celtics accomplished their goal, “Tkachuk, go get it done tomorrow. One kid from St. Louis wins a championship today. Let’s make it two tomorrow.” Tatum said ahead of Panthers’ Game 5. And while Matthew wasn’t able to do it right away, he did eventually get the job done last night and fulfilled Tatum’s wish.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.