A few identity mix-ups haven’t been a void in the NBA. Remember the legendary mix-up between Grant Hill and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway—two athletic, smooth-playing guards from the 90s who were so frequently confused that fans and even commentators would accidentally interchange their names. We might have new names to add to the list now, thanks to Kenny Smith.
During a recent segment on Inside the NBA, young athletes from Kenny Smith’s Jets Academy were present on set. The two-time NBA champion then called three kids from the group to the studio desk to share the misconception that they had regarding ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’. “But the most funniest thing ever — Wait, wait, wait. Y’all three, I need the three. Come on over. … Who did y’all think he was the first time?” Smith asked.
The three kids didn’t spare any moment to give their answer and said in unison, “Vince Carter.” The video was then posted to Instagram, where the newly joined analyst of TNT responded to the mix-up with a one-word comment: “smh” (shaking my head).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Well, given that the two TNT analysts rock the bald look and stand 6’6″ tall, the kids might not have been far off. But we might not say the same about their on-court personas.
View this post on Instagram
Barkley faced off with Carter in an era when the NBA went from the bruising physicality of the ’90s to the highlight-driven game of the 2000s. “Sir Charles,” was an elite power forward, yet he played like a center: bullied his way to the rim, and dominated on the boards, racking in 12,546 rebounds. Carter, on the other hand, came to be known for his creativity with his jaw-dropping dunks, including his iconic performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two only met together on the court only once during a game in 1999 between the Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets where Carter averaged 32.0 points, 6.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds. But if you want a clear differentiation between the two on court, the Inside the NBA crew had it sorted out.
What’s your perspective on:
Barkley vs. Carter: Who left a bigger mark on the NBA? Let's hear your thoughts!
Have an interesting take?
When Charles Barkley suffered a ‘Concussion’
In the same segment, to clear up the confusion of the young athletes from Kenny Smith’s academy, two videos were shown. One of Carter’s legendary 2000 Slam Dunk Contest performances and another of a moment Barkley might rather forget.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The second footage was of a game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in March 1988. Three-time NBA champion, Bill Cartwright, had went for a driving layup over Barkley when his shoulder had hit Barkley’s head. “I got a concussion on that play,” said Barkley after the video was shown. As the cast kept on laughing Ernie Johnson took a moment to throw a hilarious jab at the Sixers veteran, “Still suffering the consequences?”
Barkley did suffer a serious injury as he was carried away to the locker room but still he managed to score 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, in the 34 minutes that he played. Barkley couldn’t have anticipated that being elbowed in the head would become a case of proof in dissimilarities three decades later.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Barkley vs. Carter: Who left a bigger mark on the NBA? Let's hear your thoughts!