Charles Barkley is talking again. This time it’s about Kyrie Irving’s trade demand. Barkley in a recent interview with NBA TV said the notion of being the man is stupid. The objective is to be on a good team and win. Really, this sounds contradictory to what Chuck has said in the past about teaming up with other great players. Chuck said:
You want to be on a good team. You want to play with other great players. This notion where you want to be the man, I just think is so stupid. If I got a chance to play with another great player, I want to do that. The objective is to win.
Chuck was vehemently opposed to LeBron James joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. He was also critical of Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors. Which is it Chuck? Kyrie is leaving Bron so he can lead a team on his own. He’s becoming a true alpha, embracing the “mamba mentality.” All the things Chuck and the players in his generation embrace. Chuck can’t have it both ways. Either you compete against the best in the league or you do whatever it takes to win.
The reality is, Chuck and the players in his generation and before are jealous of the power today’s players have. Chuck didn’t win a ring and it haunts him to this day. In his prime, he was one of the best in the league, a former MVP. He happened to play in the Michael Jordan era and titles were hard to come by. Plus, he demanded trades twice in his career to play on a better squad. In Philadelphia and again in Phoenix. Come on Chuck, do better.
Flip the page to see video of Chuck’s full interview.