Charles Barkley Calls Out ESPN for ‘Under-Utilizing’ Fan Favorite Inside The NBA Crew

Former NBA player and analyst Charles Barkley criticizes ESPN over scheduling conflicts.

Charles Barkley Calls Out ESPN for ‘Under-Utilizing’ Fan Favorite Inside The NBA Crew

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley (Image via FirstSportz)

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Inside the NBA hosted by Ernie Johnson, joined on set by three analysts: Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Charles Barkley. It is a halftime and postgame studio show that has been airing since 1989. Often rated among the best sports shows on American television, the show has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards over its history.

Former NBA star Charles Barkley joined the show as an analyst in 2000. Barkley along with O’Neal are known for engaging in humorous banters, arguments and silly bets, which has led to the duo being huge fan-favorites of the show.

On the show, Barkley is well known for trolling and making over-the-top comments, such as calling the NBA Cup embarrassing, and consistently trolling the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors for having an old squad.

Last season, it was thought that the show had come to an end after TNT decided not to pour billions into the NBA. TNT was the broadcaster of the show since its inception in 1989. But to everyone’s delight, they reached an agreement with ESPN to continue broadcasting the show through the latter’s network. However, it was later revealed that Inside the NBA will first start with a 30-minute run. That is down from the usual 50-minute stretch they used to enjoy on TNT.

Barkley appeared on The Dan Patrick Show and said they have been on ESPN only 4 times in 3 months.

When I was talking about working all the time, I’m not going to do all these damn shows. I’m not going to be on ESPN 1, 2, 3, Deportes, Nacho, Echo, whatever they call it. I’m not going to be doing all that. But I wish we’d have been on more during the first half of the season.

The schedule is expected to increase as the season progresses. With the NFL season coming to an end and the NBA approaching the postseason, the fans will be expecting to see a lot more of Barkley and his crew.

Charles Barkley is critical of Kevin Durant’s legacy

Barkley has never shied away from being critical of current NBA players, including the likes of Kevin Durant. The Former MVP was one of the many former players who were unhappy with Durant’s move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been criticized for joining forces with Stephen Curry (Image credits – NBS Sports)

Durant went on to win two NBA championships and two Finals MVPs during his three years with the Warriors. However, Barkley claimed that the Houston Rockets star was a bus rider rather than a bus driver during the Warriors’ back-to-back title run.

On the Dan Le Batard show, Barkley agreed with Batard’s statements that this Durant is the worst version of his career.

Well, I 100% agree (worst version of Durant). He hasn’t been close to being successful. I mean, we had him here in Phoenix. He lost in the first round in Jersey. Now he goes to Houston, and my Phoenix Suns got a better record without him. That’s a damning indictment.

Since his departure from the Warriors in 2019, Durant has played in three teams. A lot of critics believe that he is ‘chasing rings’. Till he wins a championship outside of the Warriors, his legacy will always be questioned, despite his numerous achievements and accolades.

Charles Barkley is concerned for Victor Wembanyama’s health

There is no doubt that Victor Wembanyama is a special player. Already in the conversation for the best player in the league, Wembanyama is touted to be the “Face of the NBA” for years to come. But injuries have been an issue in the Frenchman’s young NBA career.

Barkley spoke about the San Antonio Spurs center on Batard’s show.

The only question about Victor is his health. These guys who are that tall, have we ever seen any one of them stay really healthy for like 10 years of excellence? I mean, it’s such a freak of nature to be that tall. I hope he’s able to stay healthy. Shaquille O’Neal is the biggest human being I’ve ever seen in my life. Him being able to play for 20 years is one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history.

Barkley’s concerns for Wembanyama are valid. Players of that height are usually prone to injuries. And Wembanyama is no stranger to major setbacks. He was dealt a huge blow last season, which could have derailed his NBA career.

After just 46 games, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder that ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. But in the end, the NBA world is grateful that he is able to come back and play at such a high level once again.

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