Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley Predict Concerning Future for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokoumpo suffered a non-contact injury in his game against the Boston Celtics a few days back. As he was running down the court, the Greek Freak suddenly held the back of his right leg and was forced to quit the game in the third quarter. The MRI and tests have come in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks as it is reported to be a calf strain. However, the hosts of Inside the NBA are predicting something worse in the playoffs. Antetokounmpo’s injury was compared with Kevin Durant‘s Achilles injury, which cost the Golden State Warriors the 2018 Finals. 

Charles Barkley shared, “It’s scary because, if you go back, I think when Kevin Durant had the same injury, he was out a month before he came back and played. I think it was at least a month, and he blew out his Achilles first game back.” Before fully damaging his Achilles against the Toronto Raptors in the Finals, KD first faced discomfort in the back of his legs during the Conference Semi-Finals against the Houston Rockets. He missed the entire Western Conference Finals. 

And on his first game back, he popped out his Achilles. The TNT crew believes Antetokounmpo might face something similar. Shaquille O’Neal said, “My concern for him is the way he plays. He goes so hard. Of course he’s going to do extreme…If it is not treated correctly it will pop.” 

This was not the case with Kevin Durant alone. Shaq, who threw light on this injury, has faced it himself during the end of his career.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Achilles injury put an end to his career once and for all

During his last year with the Boston Celtics, Shaq faced a hindrance like the above, not once, but twice during the 2011 playoffs. Two months before the playoffs, the 4x champion injured his Achilles and it kept him out of the team for two straight months. He returned during the playoffs in April, and in the very first game, he faced trouble due to his Achilles again. This is nothing different to what Kevin Durant suffered. 

Read more: Dangerous Injury Is Knocking On The Door For Giannis Antetokounmpo, Warns Ex-Warriors Star

However, Shaq was lucky enough to return in the very next month. He played a total of 12 minutes in the Conference Semi-Finals against the Miami Heat. After losing 4-1, he announced his retirement. Antetokounmpo might not fear about his career coming to an end, but there is a good chance it can come to a halt. Anyhow, let’s hope it doesn’t come during the playoffs. 

Read more: “Feels Like Something Snapped”: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Distressing Exit Triggers Shaquille O’Neal’s Painful Memory