NBA Legend Charles Barkley Picks Utah Jazz Player Ahead of Lakers’ Anthony Davis for All-Star Game

Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the NBA. However, the 2020-21 NBA season has not been great for him. Davis started the season quite slow. And just this week, the Lakers announced that Davis would miss close to three weeks of action due to a calf strain. This injury will also keep him away from the All-Star game. However, one NBA legend wouldn’t even take AD as a reserve.

Chuck doesn’t think Anthony Davis is an All-Star

NBA legend Charles Barkley spoke about his All-Star reserve selection on TNT. He surprisingly picked Jordan Clarkson over Anthony Davis. Barkley said, “He’s been the best bench player in the NBA this year. They got the best record in the NBA. Most people don’t notice that he has been fantastic this year, and that’s why I have him on my list.”

Barkley added that his decision to take Clarkson was based more on his performance during the season. While he is nowhere near the player Davis is, Clarkson has had a much better season than him. Barkley believes that Davis has not played like an All-Star this year.

Barkley said, “Because he (Davis) hasn’t played like an All-Star… We’re talking about who is having the best year, not who is a better player. That’s how I vote… Jordan Clarkson is having a great year. I want to reward him… Is Anthony Davis a better player? Yes. But Davis has not played like an All-Star this year… Jordan Clarkson is having a better year.”

READ MORE: Former NBA Champion Reveals What Rich Paul Told Him About Lakers’ Approach to Anthony Davis Injury

AD has been struggling

Barkley is not entirely wrong about Davis. He has been underwhelming this season so far and is currently averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds. While those numbers are strong, they are the lowest for Davis since his sophomore year in the NBA. However, Barkley is being slightly unfair as these numbers from another player would earn him an All-Star nomination.

READ MORE: Anthony Davis’ MRI Reports Reveals the Lakers’ Star Sidelined Until After NBA All-Star Break

Can Anthony Davis return to his best this season? Currently, Davis has to focus on recovering from his calf strain injury. It will keep him out for at least three weeks. However, if the Lakers do not want to take any risks, he could be out for even longer. Davis is crucial for the Lakers’ success in the postseason where they will look to defend their NBA championship crown.