Charles Barkley: Oklahoma City Thunder not contenders for the NBA World Championship title
Oklahoma City Thunder have had a dream season so far.
Midway through the NBA season, they are right there at the top of the Western Conference and atop of NBA standings along with Miami Heat, with a magnificent 27-7 record - their best in the franchise’s history.
This is not just a mere fluke, but a result of solid and consistent team performance up till now.
For their excellent display so far in the season, most of the pundits have already declared them as the favourites for NBA title, even in the presence of NBA giants like Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and the red hot Miami Heat.
However, according to one person, Thunder’s chances of grabbing a title this season are completely out of question. That person is none other than the Hall of Famer Sir Charles Barkley.
In a recent interview, the legendary ex NBA player and TNT analyst exclaimed that Thunder don’t play the type of basketball, that could lead them to a championship. According to him, Thunder are not even the best team in the Western Conference.
“I don't dislike anybody. I'm giving my basketball opinion,” Barkley said. “I don't like their half court offense. That's just strictly a basketball opinion.”
He heavily criticized OKC's lack of execution in the court and and also lashed on Russell Westbrook's poor shot selection. No other player was targeted by him.
Barkley, who is known for creating controversies out of nothing, has criticized the teams like this earlier as well. Despite his outstanding basketball skills, Charles has seen a lot of adversity, probably because of his off field stunts and harsh statements.
During his 16 years career, he got involved in a brawl with players from the opponents and his own team countless times. He also once got arrested for beating a man during a fight, just after his team’s game.
This opinion of his about the Thunder is his own point of view, and although it is obvious that he has made many haters in Oklahoma after his statement, we should not forget that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
He is a basketball legend and knows everything about the game. Probably there is something wrong with the Oklahoma in his eyes, which forced him to dish out such a statement.
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