TNT Sports analyst and NBA legend Charles Barkley is arguably in the right to defend Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
Barkley, 61, is known as “Sir Charles” as a mark of respect. Barkley’s 16-year NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets was excellent with a 1993 NBA MVP award and 11 NBA All-Stars, along with five All-NBA First Team, and five All-NBA Second Team nominations.
Doncic, 25, is known as “Luka Magic” for his fair for the dramatic, whether it’s a step-back three-pointer, a no-look pass, or a game-winning shot. Doncic’s NBA career began in 2018 after the Dallas Mavericks selected him as the third overall pick that year. He has received five NBA All-Stars, along with five All-NBA First Team nominations so far in his six years and counting.
Barkley arguably reports on NBA topics that will drive clicks and views, but his recent comments about Doncic are worth thinking twice, as the latest headlines about the Mavericks point guard have gone too far. Here are three reasons why.
Charles Barkley’s Comments
Charles Barkley is no stranger to controversy, including his recent comments about Luka Doncic. Barkley was recently asked about how great the 25-and-under stars are in the NBA in “The Bill Simmons Podcast” hosted by HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons.
According to Sports Illustrated, Barkley exclaimed to Simmons, “You see how quickly they turned on Luka in The Finals? Luka was the only reason they were in The Finals … And then after Game 1 and Game 2, they’re like ‘Luka can’t play any defense, he’s the reason the Celtics are up 2-0, 3-0.’ I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, he’s the only reason they’re in The Finals.'”
Simmons, a Boston Celtics fan, responded, “I’ll tell you what … I was f—ing terrified when he had the ball or took a shot. Like he is a 10 out of 10 when you’re rooting against his team, I’m terrified of him the whole time. I do think he needs to get in better shape on one hand, but on the other hand, maybe this is the right shape for him. Because he’s so f—ing big he can bully-ball everybody.”
Both Barkley’s and Simmons’ comments were valid, as Barkley appeared to point out how quickly some people turned on Doncic during the 2024 NBA Finals, while Simmons seemed to agree with Barkley’s point amid the recent criticism about Doncic’s apparent attitude problem, defensive struggle, and everything in between.
Charles Barkley’s Conversation Starter
Charles Barkley’s arguable conversation starter was centered on Luka Doncic’s alleged weight gain.
On the latest episode of Bill Simmons’ podcast, Barkley commented, “Well, I think he needs to get in better shape but he’s the only reason, no disrespect to Kyrie [Irving], but he’s the reason they were in The Finals, but I love [sarcastically] how quick these talking heads turn on these players, because the week before, we were bragging ‘Hey man, this Luka Doncic, is he the next great player in the NBA?’
And then when the Celtics had a much better team go up 3-0, ‘Luka don’t play any defense, he’s the reason’… Y’all went from ‘He’s the second reincarnation of [Larry] Bird and somebody else combined’ but that’s the thing I hate about our business, man. It’s a lot of guys out there that turn quickly.”
Barkley’s comment-turned-conversation starter appeared to look at both sides. Doncic might want to lose weight if he truly puts on the pounds. But at the same time, Doncic’s consistency arguably made the Mavericks a force through the 2024 NBA playoffs, despite PJ Washington’s notable performances during the Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder’s second-round series.
Charles Barkley’s Accuracy
Charles Barkley’s accuracy is debatable. However, Barkley has the right to comment on and defend Luka Doncic, as the hoopla could distract from Doncic’s recent success.
Doncic entered the 2023-24 NBA season in good shape and had a red-hot start before several injuries affected him as the season passed by. But when healthy, Doncic’s easily one of the best players in the NBA. Doncic isn’t perfect, but he’s a top candidate in the KIA race for the NBA MVP and an ESPY winner for the “Best NBA Player of the Year” for a reason. Doncic’s a guy that shines in today’s NBA.
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions or policies of Total Apex or its owners. The content matter is the subjective opinion of the author.
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