Having worked for TNT for more than two decades, Charles Barkley has always appreciated rival networks. Commendation from one of the most sought-after analysts and former NBA players is surely something that people value. However, the NBA legend is also known for sharing his criticism with awe-inspiring honesty, and often doing so publicly.

The Philadelphia 76ers legend once even called a network “stupid” for one of its coverages. The distaste had even forced him to switch off the TV to avoid watching it any longer. The incident was about the Los Angeles Lakers’ hunt for a new head coach.

Charles Barkley was disappointed with ESPN 

No, it wasn’t when the Lakers fired Darvin Ham, and it certainly wasn’t when they hired JJ Redick as their newest head coach. The issue was about the surprising revelation that came in the midst of all that. Yes, right, it was about UConn head coach Danny Hurley.

Many who are familiar with the situation would likely understand how important this news was for the Lakers fans. Now, the question is, why would the 11X NBA All-Star be upset and frown upon the coverage of something so important?

It was the timing that troubled Barkley. The news of the Lakers showing interest in Hurley came just before Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Both were important stories, so ESPN decided the right thing would be to squeeze in the story on Hurley and the Lakers between the NBA Finals coverage.

But that ended up annoying the Phoenix Suns legend, whose list of top teams doesn’t include the Lakers, and probably a few more who might have decided to stay quiet on the matter.

Chuck isn’t much of a fan of the extensive coverage Lakers receive. Especially the 2022-23 season when the team hovered around the bottom of the table for majority. When they were sitting 12th in the conference Charles had expressed his distaste for the spotlight Lakers received despite not being a top team. “We don’t ever talk about the Washington Wizards [12th in the East], do we? Ever… But, for some reason, these morning talk shows and us, we have to show the Lakers all the time,” he had vented.

Chuck carried a similar sentiment when the discussion concerning Lakers, a team that was out in the opening round of playoffs, took the prime notice during the 2024 finals.

During one of his appearances on Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, Barkley voiced his frustration. After praising Hurley and clarifying that he has absolutely no personal beef with him, the NBA legend explained that the network had other news that was more deserving of coverage and attention in his eyes. As Barkley pointed out, the network should have focused on the Stanley Cup and the 2023-24 NBA Finals. 

“I was so pissed yesterday, I had to turn my TV off…This is how stupid they are. Y’all got the Stanley Cup Finals and the NBA Finals and y’all talking about a team that’s irrelevant. And I’m like, whoever’s doing their programming has got to be the stupidest, most boneheaded people in the world,” Chuck said. 

Charles Barkley believed NBA Finals coverage was more important than Danny Hurley’s story

Before the Lakers confirmed their pick of Redick, rumors of Hurley joining the squad swirled. This was an interesting choice, considering Hurley’s mastermind work with the UConn Huskies, leading them to back-to-back championships. But the problem was that the news hadn’t been confirmed yet and ESPN had spent considerable time discussing, what was yet a speculation. 

Criticizing the network’s questionable decisions, he highlighted that ESPN was talking about hypothetical news. He agreed that it could have been a big deal if the college basketball coach had joined the NBA team. While many seemed excited about it, others were divided on whether Hurley would be able to take on the job and responsibility. After all, it’s not the NCAA, the stakes are much higher in the NBA Finals. 

Further bashing the network for the same, Barkley said, “I’m like, what kind of idiots are running this network? I said, ‘that was crazy’…I just thought it was so stupid of ESPN yesterday just like, ‘Wait a minute, y’all got the biggest game of the NBA season coming on tonight. And y’all spent the first hour talking about if Dan Hurley goes to the Lakers.”

Ultimately, Hurley turned down the offer and the Lakers decided to go with rookie coach J.J. Redick, about a week after the finals. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.