NBA analyst Charles Barkley has another bold prediction for this season: the Scott Brook-coached Washington Wizards will make the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Brooks responded by sharing his intent not to let Barkley down. He also shared a touching story on being teammates with the NBA icon.

Brooks and Barkley were once teammates for the Philadelphia 76ers. They also happened to be roommates and Barkley, who already had a name then, took care of Brooks' rent. Now, the Wizards coach wants to pay Barkley back by trying his best to guide his team to the playoffs.

“I'll tell you what, he's guaranteed a lot and very rarely it comes through,” Brooks said, per the Associated Press via ESPN. “My job is to take care of my former roommate and pay him back. He didn't charge me rent for two months. Hopefully, we can have a good year and make the playoffs. I like our chances. I like the group that I'm with.”

It's a matter of wait-and-see if Brooks does guide Washington to the postseason. But he has been reunited with Russell Westbrook whom he coached in Oklahoma City Thunder. As such, familiarity with one another's tendencies won't be much of an issue.

Also, he still has Wizards star Bradley Beal in the fold who's considered one of the top players today. The likes of Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans, too, are expected to make an impact.

Unfortunately, Washington lost their first game of the season to the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-107. They have a chance to bounce back on Saturday against the Orlando Magic.