NBA legend Charles Barkley wants the New York Knicks to succeed and the Brooklyn Nets, well, not so much.
During a promotion for the American Century Championship, Barkley talked to reporters and covered a variety of stuff–including the NBA of course. Sir Chuck expressed his delight to see the Knicks in the playoffs and the atmosphere the fans created in Madison Square Garden. He then compared the ‘Bockers to the Nets and said their arena is like a “mausoleum”–suggesting the rather tame nature of Brooklyn fans.
“The Brooklyn Nets got a much better team, but when they play it’s like a mausoleum. And they got a much better team,” Barkley said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “I want (the Knicks) because that place was on fire, and I’m hoping they keep getting better because that place was fire. I’ve been there when it’s been on fire.
“It’s great for the NBA that the Knicks are doing good.”
Furthermore, Charles Barkley also ripped the idea of Super Teams, emphasizing that he has never been and will never be a fan of it. After all, he grew and played in an era where competing against the best is better than joining the best of them and ring-chasing.
“I just don’t think that’s good for the game. Even though we didn’t win a championship, the Sixers were worth watching when I was there. The Knicks were worth watching. The Pacers were worth watching when Reggie (Miller) was there. Same with Atlanta and Dominique (Wilkins),” Barkley added. “So I just don’t think it’s good for business but these young kids, they all fold to peer pressure and feel like they got to win a championship or their life sucks.”
Barkley certainly does make a great point. After all, with the creation of Super Teams, the NBA becomes more like a business than a competition.
For what it's worth, though, the players can't be blamed alone for aiming to win titles–and lots of them. After all, in today's NBA, the number of titles and achievements are being highlighted and given more importance by both fans and the media. It's also the same reason why people are obsesses about stats and accolades.
As for the Knicks and Nets, it is undoubtedly good that the ‘Bockers have returned to serious contention. Nonetheless, it might also do some good for the league to have that New York rivalry contrary to what Barkley said.
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