In a recent episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” NBA legend Charles Barkley did not hold back his criticism of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Barkley, known for his candid opinions, expressed his disappointment in Embiid’s conditioning and overall contribution to Team USA, sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts alike.
In the Tweet by NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral), Barkley stated, “I think that’s one of the reasons he’s always injured. I don’t think he’s in good enough shape…You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.”
Charles Barkley says Joel Embiid is out of shape and should be embarrassed by his Olympic performance
“I think that's one of the reasons he's always injured. I don't think he's in good enough shape…You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/FPqfeWIpzr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 5, 2024
The outspoken analyst didn’t hesitate to express his disappointment with Embiid’s performance.
Charles Barkley’s Blunt Assessment
Charles Barkley, a former NBA star and member of the 1992 “Dream Team,” shared his thoughts on Embiid’s Olympic performance, stating, “I think that’s one of the reasons he’s always injured. I don’t think he’s in good enough shape…You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played”. Barkley’s comments were aimed at Embiid’s physical condition, suggesting that his lack of fitness contributed to his underwhelming performance and frequent injuries.
Joel Embiid’s Olympic Struggles
Joel Embiid, who committed to playing for Team USA over France, was expected to be a key player for the American squad. However, his performance fell short of expectations. In Team USA’s opening game against Serbia, Embiid logged just 11 minutes, scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds. His limited playtime and impact raised questions about his readiness and fitness for international competition.
In subsequent games, Embiid’s performance remained inconsistent. He was benched during the match against South Sudan due to matchup concerns, as head coach Steve Kerr opted for a faster lineup1. Although Embiid showed some improvement in the game against Puerto Rico, scoring 15 points and securing three rebounds, his overall contribution was deemed insufficient by many, including Barkley.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Barkley’s comments quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and analysts weighing in on the debate. The tweet from @TheDunkCentral, which highlighted Charles Barkley’s criticism, garnered significant attention and sparked discussions about Embiid’s conditioning and commitment to the game. Some fans agreed with Charles Barkley’s assessment, while others defended Embiid, pointing out Barkley’s own struggles with weight during his playing career.
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