“Them gods didn’t get here by doing that [load management].” Kevin Garnett had earlier expressed his dismay at modern-day NBA stars’ approach towards the game and Charles Barkley has now echoed similar strong sentiments. Those who have followed Barkley’s broadcasting takes, you’d know his harsh takes on Zion Williamson‘s weight issues. He added to that this time around, but much more on health issues and players’ approach in the league.

During his appearance on Jason Kelce’s podcast, the discussion started with Williamson’s issues. And if you’re wondering to what extent Chuck would go if he were in Zanos’ place, the former Philadelphia 76ers star had the answer ready.

“He’s making like $40 million. I’d be anorexic for $40 million. They’d be like, Charles is too skinny. We need to get him,” Barkley said.

He further mentioned it annoys him when players don’t take a serious approach despite their high-paying contracts. Even no longer playing in the league, Chuck has been on a journey of weight loss. The 11x All-Star reportedly lost 60 pounds, following a combination of Mounjaro medication, diet, and exercise.

And it’s not as if the ex-76ers star does not realize the need for players to take a rest. But during his conversation on Kelce’s show, he emphasized the need for NBA stars to count their blessings. The reason, you ask? Simply the fact that NBA sport earns its athletes more in a week than most people end up making in their lifetime.

Charles Barkley re-emphasized that he has no issues with Zion resting out when his body needs it. It’s the approach that the players have nowadays that bothers the 11x All-Star.

Further detailing his issues with players’ approach nowadays, Barkley said, “I have no problem with him resting.” The former Philadelphia 76ers star stated it’s alright for players to rest when their body demands it. “You don’t say that sh*t before the season ‘I’m not gonna play back to back,'” Chuck added. “You gonna sit out when you get tired, or you got something, but you don’t say it before the season.”

For those unaware, this was aimed at Joel Embiid, who during an interview with ESPN stated he would probably never play back-to-backs for the rest of his career. It’s an approach that seems to be increasing as a part of the evolving load management of the NBA. And Barkley is not the only NBA legend to have issues with this system.

Celtics legend’s take on load management and Joel Embiid’s statement ahead of the season

Have you ever wondered if today’s NBA is losing a bit of its toughness? Ex-Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett sure thinks so, and he didn’t hold back when he voiced his thoughts on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Garnett, known for his fiery passion and grit on the court, reflected on a time when playing through injuries was a badge of honor.

“It used to mean something when you played through an injury,” KG said, as he reminisced about the days when players would tape up, push through, and leave it all on the court. But in today’s game? Garnett feels the mindset has shifted.

He pointed to examples like LeBron James sitting out multiple games and Joel Embiid announcing he wouldn’t play back-to-back games before the season even tipped off. “You never had your best player on the team say, ‘I’m not playing back-to-back,’ Garnett said, recalling the players from his era and before it.

There’s a clear similarity between the takes of two NBA legends – Kevin Garnett and Charles Barkley. So maybe there’s some value in them that the modern-day NBA stars can take.