Charles Barkley is rarely one to mince his words and today his target was the Brooklyn Nets.
Discussing their fortunes on Inside the NBA, Barkley slammed the Nets, saying they “ain’t even close” to winning a championship and that their title window is “almost over.”
“This team’s been together for four years. When they went there four years ago, we were like ‘They’re going to win a couple championships.’ They ain’t even close,” Barkley said on Inside the NBA.
“When you have a good team, you have to take advantage of it. This is a wasted four years for these guys.”
“They ain’t even close [to winning a championship]. … This is a wasted four years for these guys” 😬
Chuck sounds off on the Nets pic.twitter.com/OuQkCohpm3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 16, 2022
Despite boasting a roster featuring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, the Nets have been mired in drama, between Irving’s suspension, the firing of head coach Steve Nash and Simmons’ struggles to rediscover his All-Star level form.
Simmons is averaging just 5.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game this season, with his defensive impact below his usual standard.
Barkley added that the Aussie must address the mental hurdles preventing him from playing at his best.
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“I think personally, I think he [Ben Simmons] needs a sports psychologist. I’m not talking about mental, I’m talking like, he’s frozen on the court. He’s not even looking at the basket,” Barkley said.
“I’ve never been on a team where guys have to scream at a guy to shoot the basketball ever. I’ve seen Kyrie yell at him, I’ve seen the coach yell at him. He’s mentally blocked right now.”
As it stands, the Nets are 6-8 on the season, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
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