Charles Barkley Unleashes on NBA Changes…
In a move that took inspiration from every mathematician’s worst nightmare, the NBA introduced aprons in the salary cap structure, causing fans to wonder if they were selling cakes or slam dunks. The notorious second apron, which teams dread crossing twice, seems like the financial Bermuda Triangle of basketball. Now, it’s a merry-go-round of roster changes for the Lakers and others, thanks to Charles Barkley pointing his finger at LeBron James and Kevin Durant. According to Barkley, it’s all their fault for forming super teams and making it impossible for one team to resist the urge to become basketball’s hoarding experts.
Barkley, during a chat on The Bill Simmons Podcast, humorously accused NBA superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant of transforming the league into a game of Monopoly where every player wants Park Place and Boardwalk. Citing the infamous gathering of the Miami Heat’s Big Three and Durant’s joyful ride with the Golden State Warriors, Barkley suggests they left NBA Commissioner Adam Silver no choice but to install the second apron. With a chuckle, he remarks on the “good old days” when teams didn’t have so many “all-you-can-eat” player buffets. He admits LeBron’s influence in empowering players but insists the apron is a result of various factors, not just these hardwood legends. Despite the blame, Barkley still puts LeBron among the greats like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, triggering laughter with his comparison to a hotly-contested family board game.
