“United States vs. the World would be amazing!” Charles Barkley picks against USA’s best team versus combined world hoopers in All-Star event game

A game between Team USA and the rest of the world is the sort of home run idea that might just revitalize an otherwise stale All-Star game.

“United States vs. the World would be amazing!” Charles Barkley picks against USA’s best team versus combined world hoopers in All-Star event game

L- Team USA's LeBron James and Kevin Durant; R- Charles Barkley (via Open Source/X)

Charles Barkley had a lot to say about the NBA All-Star game while on a recent interview with Stephen A. Smith. Although, the NBA has tried to reinvent and tweak the All-Star game in order to increase its appeal and make it more marketable. It didn’t stop the jury as this year’s All-Star game came in for a lot of criticism following the game’s lack of competitiveness.

During the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, players from both teams displayed a noticeable lack of energy, resulting in a lackluster performance. The East managed to secure a 211-186 victory over the West in a game that failed to excite spectators.

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Hall of Famer Charles Barkley while being interviewed by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, recently appeared to provide a solution to the game’s lack of competitiveness. He said:

I suggested this 10 years ago, but nobody would listen to me. For the All-Star game, I’d do the United States versus the World..I think the United States versus the World would be amazing.

The “Round Mound of Rebound” isn’t entirely wrong. Having a game of Team USA vs. Team The World replace the East versus West would be more appealing to fans and on the financial side, more profitable and sustainable. Moreover, who wouldn’t love the idea of Giannis, Embiid, Jokic, Doncic and Wemby against LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and James Harden.

Charles Barkley responds to recent generation in a rant

Barkley’s recent appearance on the Stephen A. Smith show reignited debates about the perceived sensitivity of this generation. Known for his humor and candidness, Barkley’s unfiltered opinions sometimes divide audiences. During the show, he briefly discussed his approach to his role as a sports analyst.

Charles Barkley San Francisco
Charles Barkley (Image via Basketball Insiders)

He said:

I am going to do my job. I ain’t worried about what these fools think of me. I’ve never gotten on tv and said anything personal about a guy. If I’m asked a question, I’m going to be honest. Man, this generation, man, they are so sensitive.

Barkley’s criticism of players is a well-known fact that never goes unchallenged. The legendary king of rebound, now turned sports analyst, frequently engages in controversies with his most recent spat with some current players, including Kevin Durant and LeBron James. While Barkley insists his remarks are never personal, this isn’t the first time he’s sparked controversy with his commentary on players.

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