The discussion between Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal about their Top 50 players highlighted the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the NBA
While LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, his position among the league’s elite is increasingly challenged by younger stars like Jokic, Giannis, Luka, and SGA.
As the final season of “Inside the NBA” unfolds, fans can expect more entertaining debates and insightful analysis from this legendary crew, whose chemistry and knowledge have made the show a must-watch for basketball lovers everywhere.
Also Read:Â Charles Barkley (NBA): Bio, Wiki, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth 2024 and More
Table of Contents
Charles Barkley: Challenges Kenny Smith’s Ranking of LeBron
During the season’s first episode, Charles Barkley did not hold back in critiquing Kenny Smith’s ranking of LeBron James at No. 2.1
Smith defended his choice by arguing that LeBron remains dominant across multiple facets of the game, but Barkley wasn’t having it. “Nice try, though,” Barkley quipped, dismissing the idea that James should be considered the second-best player in the league.
LeBron, who is approaching his 40th birthday, is still an elite player, but Barkley’s skepticism reflects the growing narrative that the 39-year-old might no longer be in the top echelon of NBA stars. Last season, James made the All-NBA third team—a remarkable feat for a player of his age, but perhaps not enough to justify his place in Smith’s Top 2.
The 2023-2024 NBA season marks the final season of TNT’s iconic show “Inside the NBA,” with basketball legends Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson at the helm.
Known for its mix of insightful analysis and hilarious banter, the show didn’t miss a beat in its season opener.
This time, it was Kenny Smith’s Top 50 NBA players list that ignited a fiery discussion, particularly when Charles Barkley took issue with Smith ranking LeBron James second, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As the crew shared their Top 50 lists, the debate over where LeBron ranks among the league’s best players once again took center stage.
The lively exchanges and differing opinions between the panelists made for an entertaining segment, offering insight into how various analysts view the current NBA landscape.
Now we have all the power in the Universe? What should we do now…Jesus? What’s first on the agenda?
— Charles Barkley (@_CharlesBarkley) February 19, 2010
Kenny Smith Defends His Criteria
Kenny Smith, a two-time NBA champion, laid out his rationale for placing LeBron James second on his list, behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo. Smith’s argument was based on the idea of dominance across multiple areas of the game.
“My criteria is how many areas of the game can you dominate,” Smith explained. “You put that in, and he’s the second-best player in all areas of dominating the game.
So you take those other guys that go under him. Giannis is the best at dominating in all areas of the game from defensively and offensively, rebounds, assists, leadership, pace of game.”
For Smith, LeBron’s ability to impact games through scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and leadership keeps him in the conversation as one of the league’s top talents, even at this advanced stage of his career. However, Barkley and others seemed less convinced.
Charles Barkley’s Top 10: LeBron Just Outside the Elite
Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from controversy, ranked LeBron James 11th on his own Top 50 list.2
Barkley’s top spot went to Nikola Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP, followed by Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
James, a four-time MVP and 19-time All-Star, didn’t crack Barkley’s Top 10, a clear indication of how he views the current landscape of NBA talent.
Barkley’s Top 10, in order, includes Jokic, Doncic, Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), and Anthony Davis.
His list emphasizes the league’s current stars who are at their peak, with Jokic and Doncic standing out as the new faces of NBA dominance. For Barkley, LeBron’s time among the absolute elite appears to have passed.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Perspective: Jokic Tops the List, LeBron Still in the Mix
Shaquille O’Neal’s Top 50 list saw a more favorable placement for LeBron, with “The King” ranked fifth.
For Shaq, Jokic also holds the top spot, followed by Giannis, Luka Doncic, and Curry. Unlike Barkley, Shaq still considers LeBron to be in the mix among the league’s very best.
Shaq’s top 10 includes Jokic, Giannis, Doncic, Curry, LeBron, Durant, Embiid, SGA, Anthony Edwards, and Jaylen Brown.
He placed Jayson Tatum just outside his top 10 at 11th, with Anthony Davis ranked 12th. Shaq’s respect for LeBron’s longevity and continued excellence shines through in his ranking, even if he acknowledges that Jokic and Giannis have now surpassed him in overall impact.
Charles Barkley: Debate Around LeBron’s Current Standing
The stark difference in where LeBron James falls on these lists highlights a larger debate about his place in the current NBA hierarchy.3
As one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron’s legacy is secure. Yet, at 39, the question remains whether he’s still a top-five player—or even a top-10 player—by today’s standards.
Kenny Smith’s argument that LeBron remains a dominant force in multiple aspects of the game holds weight. Few players in NBA history have been able to contribute across the board as effectively as James has, even in his later years. His scoring, passing, rebounding, and leadership on and off the court are undeniable.
However, Barkley’s decision to place him outside the top 10 reflects the reality that age may finally be catching up to him.
LeBron’s placement on the All-NBA third team last season underscores his continued excellence but also suggests a decline in his dominance. For a player who has made the All-NBA first team 13 times, settling for third-team honors is a step down.
It’s possible that Barkley’s ranking is less about a lack of respect for LeBron’s game and more about recognizing the rise of younger stars who are now more impactful on a nightly basis.
The Rise of Jokic and Antetokounmpo
Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo were the two players who most consistently topped the “Inside the NBA” crew’s lists, symbolizing a new era of NBA dominance. Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP, has redefined what it means to be a center in the modern NBA.
His combination of scoring, passing, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most complete players in the game, earning him the top spot on Barkley, Shaq, and Kenny’s lists.
Giannis, with his incredible two-way impact, has also firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier players.
His unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill allows him to dominate on both ends of the floor. For Kenny Smith, Giannis is the best player in the world, and few would argue against his placement near the top of the rankings.
The Role of Youth in the Rankings
An interesting aspect of the panel’s rankings was the inclusion of younger players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.
SGA, fresh off an All-NBA first team selection, cracked the top 10 for all three panelists, reflecting his rapid rise as one of the league’s top guards. His ability to score, create for others, and play defense at a high level has made him a superstar in the making.
Similarly, Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ budding star, earned a spot in Shaq’s top 10, signaling his belief in Edwards’ potential to be a future MVP candidate.
As the NBA continues to evolve, it’s clear that these younger stars will play a major role in shaping the league’s future.
Also Read:Â Charles Barkley (NBA): Bio, Wiki, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth 2024 and More
Charles Barkley: The Final Season of ‘Inside the NBA’
The beloved “Inside the NBA” crew—Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson—heads into what is expected to be their final season together, marking the end of an era in sports broadcasting.
As Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) battles to retain its broadcasting rights for NBA games amidst competition from Amazon, Disney, and NBC Universal, the iconic quartet remains a key asset. However, with changes on the horizon, the future of the show is uncertain.
This article delves into the significance of “Inside the NBA,” its impact on sports broadcasting, and what the future holds for its legendary hosts.
The Legacy of ‘Inside the NBA’
Since its debut 35 years ago, “Inside the NBA” has redefined sports talk shows. Known for its unscripted banter, comedic moments, and insightful analysis, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.
The chemistry between the hosts—particularly the contrasting personalities of Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal—has been a major draw for viewers.
Barkley’s candid opinions, often delivered with humor, paired with O’Neal’s playful rivalry and larger-than-life presence, have made the show more than just post-game analysis.
Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson add balance to the mix, with Smith providing basketball expertise and Johnson acting as the steady anchor.
Why ‘Inside the NBA’ Stands Out
Unlike many sports shows that stick to strict formats, “Inside the NBA” thrives on unpredictability. The hosts’ willingness to poke fun at themselves, engage in heated debates, and even participate in hilarious on-set challenges has set the show apart.
The show’s authenticity resonates with fans, offering a refreshing alternative to the often formulaic nature of sports analysis programs.
Furthermore, the show has transcended basketball, with segments covering various pop culture topics and broader societal issues.
Whether it’s discussing politics or racial inequality, “Inside the NBA” has never shied away from addressing important conversations, giving it a unique relevance in the media landscape.
Charles Barkley’s Post-‘Inside the NBA’ Plans
Charles Barkley, who has been a staple of “Inside the NBA” for more than two decades, is not expected to transition to another network.
According to Yahoo! Sports, Barkley has no intention of joining a competitor after the show’s run concludes. Warner Brothers Discovery is reportedly committed to keeping Barkley involved in its programming as much as possible.
In addition to his role on “Inside the NBA,” Barkley has been a key figure in March Madness coverage, and he will likely continue in that capacity. His candid style and engaging personality make him a versatile broadcaster, capable of covering not only basketball but other sports as well.
There are reports that he could branch out into commentary for baseball, hockey, golf, and even soccer, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup presenting a potential opportunity for Barkley to expand his reach.
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Barkley’s Appeal: More Than Just Basketball
What sets Barkley apart as a broadcaster is his ability to connect with audiences on a wide range of topics.
Whether discussing politics or pop culture, Barkley’s opinions are always entertaining, often controversial, but undeniably engaging.
His involvement in other sports could bring a fresh perspective and broaden his fanbase beyond basketball enthusiasts.
The Future of NBA Broadcasting
With the NBA securing deals with Amazon, Disney, and NBC Universal, the landscape of sports broadcasting is shifting. Streaming platforms, in particular, are becoming increasingly influential in how fans consume live sports.
The rise of streaming giants like Amazon signifies a new era in sports broadcasting, where traditional networks face stiff competition from digital platforms.
For “Inside the NBA,” this shift could spell the end of an era, but it also opens up new opportunities for innovation.
If WBD loses its rights, there’s a possibility that streaming services might try to emulate the success of “Inside the NBA” by creating similar programming. However, recreating the magic of Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson would be a tall order.
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