"I got in shape for $2 million" - Charles Barkley fires subtle shots at Joel Embiid, dubs 76ers star's decision 'embarrassing'
Charles Barkley blasted Joel Embiid when the Philadelphia 76ers superstar told reporters he would not be playing back-to-back games. The Hall of Famer said that steel workers and nurses sometimes don’t want to work but put in the time. He added that Embiid is only asked to play basketball, at most, four times a week.
During his appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show" on Friday, the TNT analyst doubled down on that stand. During a conversation about the league's load management issue, Barkley fired subtle shots at Embiid. (1:32 mark)
"This is the thing that bothers me about the entire 76ers thing. No. 1, you don't tell people you're not going to play back-to-backs. That's where the stupidity started. But also, if you're tired or a little sore, which every basketball player is during the season, say, 'You know what coach, I'mma play 25 minutes a night. I'm not going to play 42."
Barkley then criticized players for not getting in proper shape despite getting paid millions of dollars. (6:22 mark)
“We’re talking about Zion [Williamson] last year getting in shape. I said, ‘Yo, man. For $70-80 million, you know what they be saying?’ ‘I’m worried about that Charles Barkley. He’s out here anemic. He got an eating disorder. He’s too skinny.
“I got in shape for $2 million. My first contract was four years, $2 million. I lost 50 pounds because I was fat in college. Dan, I will be totally anorexic for $70-80 million.”
For Barkley, basketball fans get a disservice if superstars such as Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson sit out back-to-back games. The Hall of Famer emphasized the money involved and the latest medical technology as more than enough incentives to play.
Barkley added that it was “embarrassing” that fans have to argue about load management from many of the best-paid basketball players like Embiid.
Charles Barkley claims players would always be available in a pay-for-play deal
Charles Barkley and Dan Patrick agreed that there is a real problem with load management. For them, there couldn’t be more monetary incentive as the best players are paid in millions. When asked by the host if change would happen if players get paid only for playing games, Barkley responded:
“Dude, them dudes be playing 85 games!”
Barkley continued that before players became highly-paid NBA stars, they started in college with “crappy shoes,” barely enough allowance, fly commercials and yet they played. The former Phoenix Suns MVP noted how that has changed with players riding chartered flights and getting paid millions.
The pay-for-play strategy, though, isn’t going to happen. Barkley puts the onus on the players to give back to fans who use hard-earned money to watch them play.