Charles Barkley backing off his hatred of the Golden State Warriors is just not acceptable.
There are few human beings on television who despise the Golden State Warriors more than Charles Barkley does.
His utter disdain of the Western Conference powerhouse and their delightful fanbase have been well-documented on the set of Inside the NBA. From chanting “Let’s go Mavs”, to telling fans how much they suck, to wearing a Boban Marjanovic jersey after Game 2, Barkley’s displeasure of all things Golden State has to be right up there with the Alabama Crimson Tide’s football team.
Of course, the NBA studio host turned wrestling heel says it is all part of the game. He admitted to The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo it is all fun and games for the Ole Chuckster on the latest episode of his podcast.
“Oh, I can buy into the (Warriors),” said Barkley to Russillo ahead of Game 2. “I hate their fans. But we have a lot of give and take, and that doesn’t bother me. They, you know, you know, Ry? As long as people are reacting to your opinion, you’re doing what you’re supposed to do on television.”
The basketball hall of fame knucklehead continued in his role as the Warriors’ arch nemesis.
“I mean, your job is to make sure people enjoy the sport. You, hopefully, you have good games, but when you, when you’re announcer, you want an analyst, whatever, I’m not sure what the hell I am, to be honest with you. You want people to respond to whatever you say. So whether you boo me or cheer me, as long as they. … I’m like Roman Reigns. As long as they acknowledge me, I’m doing my job.”
Charles Barkley backing down on his Golden State Warriors hate is weak sauce
Over a generation ago, Barkley admitted to not being a role model. This was two Phoenix Suns trips to the NBA Finals ago, but the message remains. Barkley is going to say and do whatever he pleases on-camera because he is The GOAT of NBA studio hosts. An incredible basketball player, no doubt, but this was always his calling. From “The Round Mound of Rebound” to this, incredible.
Frankly, Barkley and the rest of Turner Sports are hoping the Dallas Mavericks find a way to make this thing a series out West. Though the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat is guaranteed to go five, Dallas has yet to win a game in its best-of-seven series with Golden State. A sweep of Dallas will only make Warriors fans hate him even more.
Ultimately, there are no elite teams left in the NBA playoffs. While all four teams remaining have a bona-fide superstar on the roster (Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, Doncic, Jayson Tatum), whoever hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June is not expected to repeat next season, barring something unforeseen later this summer. All the while, Barkley remains the greatest Warriors troll of all time.
Barkley is clearly winning with his new brand of basketball because we are still talking about it.
