Charles Barkley wants people to stop using Zach LaVine and Trae Young in the same sentence. The Hall of Fame member firmly believes that the Chicago Bulls superstar has shown incredible improvement this season and he shouldn't be compared to the Atlanta Hawks playmaker.

Barkley's controversial statement came after both were snubbed for a spot in the starting lineup for this year's All-Star Game (via NBC Sports).

“LaVine and Trae Young are not in the same conversation. LaVine has played great this season. The team stinks now, but I got to give credit where credit is due.”

Barkley, as well as fellow Inside the TNT hosts Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson, all had LaVine in their reserves squad for the Eastern Conference. Kenny Smith opted to leave LaVine out of his list.

LaVine ended up in fourth place in total votes for the Eastern Conference backcourt, while Young finished at sixth place. This, I presume, was what Chuck was referring to. Just looking at the players' ranking of the two, you'd see that the difference, at least for this season, is quite stark. The dynamic Bulls guard was in third place in player votes, while Young was all the way at the 11th spot. It's no question that LaVine is having a way better season than Young and the polls simply validated this fact.

“Young Hollywood” Zach LaVine has been incredible for the Bulls this season and rightfully deserves to make his first All-Star selection. If that comes at the expense of Young making his second All-Star appearance, well, then so be it.