Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

NBA legend Charles Barkley has developed a reputation for criticizing young NBA players, never holding back in addressing their shortcomings. Whether it’s their poor game on the court or their lack of physical fitness, Barkley openly expresses his opinions. Recently, Barkley has voiced concerns about the health and conditioning of the New Orleans Pelicans‘ rising star, Zion Williamson.

Interestingly, Barkley himself faced challenges with maintaining his fitness during his playing career, and there was a particular incident that brought him to tears. This incident turned out to be a significant turning point in Barkley’s personal journey, leading to personal growth and improvement. Let’s find out why Sir Charles Barkley shed tears and its impact on his life.

Charles Barkley admits what made him cry

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Charles Barkley was part of what is widely considered one of the greatest draft classes in NBA history, alongside exceptional talents such as Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and John Stockton. However, unlike his peers, Barkley struggled to make an immediate impact in his career. Initially, he didn’t receive significant playing time, hindering his progress.

via Getty

During a recent interview with Justine Termine and Eddie A. Johnson on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Barkley reflected on a particular incident that brought him to tears. While discussing the situation surrounding Zion Williamson’s fitness, Barkley delved into his own past fitness problem and recalled the profound influence of NBA legend Moses Malone on his life. It was through Malone’s guidance and mentorship that Barkley was able to transform his physique and improve his overall fitness level.

READ MORE: “I Got in Shape for $2 Million Dollars”: After Expressing His Distaste Toward Zion Williamson, Charles Barkley Draws Parallels Only to Raise Concerns Over the NBA Star

Barkley says “I went to Moses house one night. I said Moses why I am not getting to play. He says Chuck, son you fat and you lazy. You know I did what grown men do. I went back to my condone and cry like a little woman and then the next thing I did, Moses said – Hey if you want to get in shape, I’ll help you to get in shape”. Under the guidance of Moses Malone, Barkley successfully shed 50 pounds, a transformative weight loss that significantly enhanced his athleticism. This transformation propelled Barkley to become a highly skilled scorer and a ferocious rebounder, capable of dominating the game at will. Barkley also has a good suggestion to help Zion Williamson.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Barkley suggests a way to help Zion Williamson

The 1993 NBA MVP further adds, “How many players have you seen eat their way out of the NBA? A lot of them”. While Barkley has playfully poked fun at Williamson’s physical condition in the past, he genuinely wishes for his improvement and has a helpful suggestion to offer. Barkley says, ” Zion got so much power, same thing with this dude down in Memphis Ja Morant.”

WATCH THIS STORY: As Ja Morant and Zion Williamson Get Dragged Into Mud, “Shocked” Charles Barkley’s Stinging Reality Shows Them Hints of Love

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

He further added, “The coaches are afraid of them instead of telling them to grow up and get your crap together. I wish I could with down with Zion and say yo man, you got so much talent but you gonna have to lose some weight and get in shape because, unless you lose that weight, you can’t play basketball”.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.