Charles Barkley: NBA is watered down, worst I’ve ever seen it
Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
NBA analyst Charles Barkley had some disparaging comments for the league during his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday.
“The NBA is watered down,” Barkley said. “The NBA is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”
Barkley’s comments came following a Tuesday statement by seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, who wasn’t convinced Stephen Curry had truly earned a unanimous MVP selection.
“For him to be that first player to get that unanimously, I think it tells you how watered-down our league is,” McGrady said on ESPN’s The Jump. “Seriously. Because think of when M.J. played, Shaq, I mean those guys really played against top-notch competition, more superstars I think on more teams ... but it’s well-deserved.”
• GOLLIVER: Five incredible feats from Curry’s historic MVP year
Barkley, who played in the NBA for 16 seasons, was an 11-time All-Star and the league’s MVP in 1993.