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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: Retired NBA player Charles Barkley attends the 2016 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame 26th Anniversary Gala at The Waldorf Astoria on October 18, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: Retired NBA player Charles Barkley attends the 2016 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame 26th Anniversary Gala at The Waldorf Astoria on October 18, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)
NBA legend Charles Barkley is someone who always speaks his mind even if it has sometimes landed him in hot waters. In recent years, Barkley has had some harsh words for NBA superstar Zion Williamson. There were huge expectations when the former #1 pick entered the league. However, Zion’s career has been plagued by injuries so far. Recently, the New Orleans Pelicans superstar received a lot of flack for his weight gain. Barkley who ironically had similar issues during his playing career was critical of Zion’s weight gain as well.
So far this season, Zion missed out on some games because of his injuries. However, he has been playing well and made it to the All-Star team. Charles Barkley was not a fan of the selection.
Shannon Sharpe is in agreement with Charles Barkley
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During NBA on TNT, Charles Barkley talked about the All-Star selection of Zion Williamson. Barkley expressed that Zion does not deserve the selection because he did not play in 20 games this season. He also questioned the fans about the choice. The 2000 NBA MVP also suggested that he would have selected Domantas Sabonis or Lauri Markkanen instead. Now, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe has agreed to Barkley’s comments on Twitter. However, most fans are not on the same page as Barkley and Sharpe. Here are some reactions from fans:
It's a generational issue. Older fans believe players should actually show up and do their jobs to earn their pay. While younger fans see nothing wrong with players being paid $40m per year only showing up to work 50% of the time.
— Madril (@MadrilSmith13) January 28, 2023
Both you and Charles are wrong.
What fan wants to spend All-Star game money for Sabonis or Lauri?
Plus their teams aren't winning like that.You want entertaining players.
It's about the show.Worse thing was giving the media voting power.
Basic isn't sexy!— Kokopelli (@KokopelliEnt) January 28, 2023
How many games did Steph miss or sit out again……..?
— ⚜️BHenny⚜️ (@BHenny504) January 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/justinreech/status/1619160579125682176?s=20&t=oqJPxlcpfoHd5m_uIllCfw
Zion is must see tv.. of course fans want to see creative talent on the floor. No, he doesn’t deserve to be there but If MJ missed twenty games in the first half of a season, do you think fans would not vote him in? No, they about that action
— William Lawrence (@PrinceWm) January 28, 2023
I get that, so why aren't yall pundits arguing Curry starting coz he only played 2 more games than Zion, Disclaimer, steph is my current favorite player, so no hate is involved.
— SportyPosts (@Easygofigure) January 28, 2023
It’s a fans vote that’s who they wanna see. Why it matter
— WMjR™👑 (@WMjR23) January 28, 2023
Y’all make a great point Unk. But the Fan Base are not going miss out on an Exciting Player like Zion.
— TonyMack7 (@tony_mack7) January 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/wgthecatch89/status/1619185660988133383?s=20&t=oqJPxlcpfoHd5m_uIllCfw
Even though Sabonis and Markkanen are having a great season so far, most fans felt Zion’s All-Star selection was deserved. Many argued that the All-Star event is about putting on a show and Zion is capable of putting on a great show. Also, some fans pointed out that NBA superstar Stephen Curry who has missed 15 games this season made the All-Star team as well.
Some stated that the All-Star selection is not just about stats but also about fireworks. Despite his size and weight, Zion is one of the most electric players in the league.
Barkley’s comments on Zion Williamson’s weight gain
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Charles Barkley does not just speaks his mind, he is also one of the funniest basketball players turned analysts. Last season, when Zion Williamson was looking to make a comeback, Chuck had an interesting statement about his weight gain.
WATCH THIS STORY – 5 times Charles Barkley and Shaquille O?Neal had heated fights on Inside The NBA
According to a video posted by Bleacher Report, Barkley said, “He looks like me and Shaq had a baby.”
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The crew could not stop their laughter and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal stood there and “I quit” while laughing uncontrollably. Barkley then noted that he was concerned about Zion and talked about the time his hero Moses Malone called him “fat and lazy”. He noted that it was a turning point in his career.
Do you think Zion Williamson did not deserve a spot on the All-Star team? Let us know in the comments.
