76ers Icon Shares Empathy for Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, and Gary Payton – Here’s Why

The legendary player for the Philadelphia 76ers amassed 12,546 rebounds throughout his NBA career. However, he pulled off the biggest rebound when he was done playing, with his unique ability in a TV studio. Shortly after joining TNT in 2000, the legend released a book in which he showed off his wealth of basketball wisdom. In one particular chapter, he touched on the careers of Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, and Gary Payton.

Though they all achieved notable individual success, the 76ers legend expressed pity for these individuals, explaining what he thinks was missing from their illustrious careers.

1993 MVP said “I feel bad for Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, and Gary Payton”

Charles Barkley, an NBA legend and Inside the NBA TV analyst, has a very loud personality, which is partly why he is admired by so many people around the world. When he was asked how he did so well in the Olympic trials, Chuck famously said that while playing against top-level players is difficult, it is also easier to play alongside good players. He felt that not every player in the league was as lucky though.

Whether it’s pointing out mistakes or giving players the credit they deserve, Charles, in his book “I May Be Wrong But I Doubt It,” opened up a great deal about the intricacies of a career on the hardwood.

Notably, he expressed sympathy for Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, and Gary Payton. He believes those three NBA legends did not receive adequate support from their teammates.

“If you’re playing with other great players, guys who can all haul their part of the load, all you have to do is play. That’s why I feel bad now for Kevin Garnett and Gary Payton in recent years and for Tim Duncan in the 2001?02 season. They just didn’t have enough help. Patrick Ewing, for most of his career, didn’t have enough help,”?Chuck wrote.

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Though he also mentioned Tim Duncan, the?Big Fundamental?was a part of one of the NBA’s most winning dynasties of all time. On the other hand, Garnett spent most of his career in Minnesota, struggling to find a second option. Similarly, Ewing and Payton were the sole providers for their franchises, tasked with doing the heavy lifting by themselves.

Charles Barkley wanted better for them

Charles explained in his book that even though Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, and Gary Payton enjoyed amazing success they didn’t get the right teammates to go all the way. Perhaps, it’s something that Chuck himself can relate to.

“As great as they are the game would be so much easier if they had just one other guy,”?revealed Barkley.

Sir Charles knows the issues of taking the load on his back. In the early days of his career, the 76ers were rebuilding their team and faced the problem of no one adding to the team.

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Barkley emphasized that it’s a team sport, and it’s too much for one player to carry the team on his back. In recent years, he felt sorry for Kevin Garnett and Gary Payton, who received minimal aid from their colleagues. And Patrick Ewing was the unluckiest of the bunch, receiving no help for most of his NBA career.

It would make a significant difference if their teams had just one additional good player. One outstanding individual can win games, and one outstanding team can win championships.