"The Golden State Warriors could actually win the next three or four championships" - Charles Barkley gives high praise for defending NBA champions
Charles Barkley has put aside his beef with the Golden State Warriors on Opening Night. Barkley gave the Warriors high praise for how they have built their roster. The Hall of Fame forward reckons Golden State could win multiple championships with their collection of stars and young players.
Before the Warriors received their 2022 championship rings, the "Inside the NBA" crew discussed Golden State's chances of repeating. Barkley pointed out the team's young players would be key, adding that the Warriors could win three or four more championships.
"I'm the biggest Jonathan Kuminga fan in the world," Barkley said. "I don't know about (James) Wiseman because I've never seen him play. But with (Jordan) Poole and (Moses) Moody, Kuminga and Wiseman. ... if those four guys, those other two guys already did their thing, Poole and Moody. But if Kuminga and Wiseman play well, the Golden State Warriors could actually win the next three or four championships."
Barkley's comments about the Golden State Warriors received cheers from fans outside the Chase Center. He had drawn the ire of Warriors fans last postseason for picking the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals.
The former MVP also added that he's not going to say anything bad about the Warriors on Opening Night. Barkley explained that it's the defending champions' night, and he's not going to ruin it by saying something bad about them.
"We're here to celebrate the Warriors," Barkley said. "We're here to celebrate the Warriors, so I'm not going to say anything bad about it because this is their night."
"We're here to celebrate the Warriors. This is their night."
— Charles Barkley
#NBAonTNT https://t.co/Xyhgl6qZUB
Charles Barkley's beef with Golden State Warriors
Charles Barkley started his feud with the Golden State Warriors and their fanbase when he picked the Dallas Mavericks to win the Western Conference finals last season. Barkley then called out Warriors fans for being obnoxious.
"I just cannot pick with the Warriors because I hate their fans," Barkley said. "Their fans are obnoxious. I actually like the players on the team and the coach, but I hate their fans. I just wanna see these people suffer. I want to see these losers suck."
The banter between Barkley and Warriors fans continued throughout the series. Warriors fans chanted "Chuck, you suck" with help from Shaquille O'Neal. In the end, Golden State would eliminate the Mavericks in six games before beating the Boston Celtics to win the Championship.
Golden State Warriors beat LA Lakers on Opening Night
The Golden State Warriors celebrated Opening Night by hanging their championship banner at the Chase Center. The Warriors also received their rings in front of their fans. The LA Lakers tried to ruin ring night, but Golden State were dominant in their 123-109 win.
Steph Curry had 33 points, six rebounds and seven assists to lead the Warriors. Klay Thompson, who was limited to just 20 minutes, scored 18 points, while Andrew Wiggins added 20 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole came off the bench to have 12 points and seven assists.
LeBron James had 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, while Anthony Davis put up 27 points and six rebounds.