“Chuck is the older brother that I never had,” Shaquille O’Neal said back in 2023 while talking about his co-host on Inside the NBA. The reason? Charles Barkley is fulfilling it since time is unknown. Though they often trade jabs on air, their bond runs deep. So, when whispers began comparing Auburn’s Johni Broome to Shaq, Charles Barkley didn’t hold back and immediately shut down all comparisons. But how did this young talent find himself under such scrutiny?
Johni Broome has been pivotal for the Auburn Tigers this season, leading Auburn in each category. The star is putting up big numbers, averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game. Without him, could Auburn still have its impressive 26-2 record? His performance includes a career-high 34 points in a recent overtime thriller against Alabama, though Auburn narrowly lost 93-91. But still, his performance was a sight to see. Naturally, with numbers like that, comparisons started flying. It has led some to draw parallels between Broome and legendary big men like Shaquille O’Neal. But did it go down well?
However, Barkley, an Auburn alumnus and NBA Hall of Famer, was quick to dismiss these comparisons. He stated, “Well, Jojo, anybody who thinks that is stupid, and they’re an idiot. Do not compare Johni Broome to Shaquille O’Neal.” However, Barkley was far from over. He continued firing shots at anyone, comparing the two. In his words, “If anybody tells you they’re comparing Shaquille to Johni… They shouldn’t be in sports. They should be, like, a chef or something.” According to him, such comparisons are premature and unfair to the young star. And when it came to the National Player of the Year debate?
April 7, 2019 – St. Paul, MN, U.S.A – Team Cheeze-It coach Shqquille O Neal, left, and Team Pringles coach Charles Barkley goofed off during introductions before the game. JEFF WHEELER • [email protected] ….The Celebrity Crunch Classic was held in Schoenecker Arena on the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2019. Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph was able to show off his considerable basketball skills for his Team Pringles coach, Charles Barkely. Team Pringles prevailed 69-66. Minneapolis News – April 7, 2019 – ZUMAm42_ 90600493st Copyright: xJeffxWheelerx
Barkley didn’t hesitate. “I think that Cooper [Flagg] is probably going to win it because they’ve just been demolishing people.” He admitted Broome was an early favorite, but an injury slowed his momentum. Meanwhile, Duke has been dominating, making Flagg the front-runner in Barkley’s eyes.
However, this doesn’t mean that Chuck is completely putting down the young star. He claimed that if Broome can finish his journey, he might be able to become “the greatest player in Auburn basketball history.” A huge praise from Chuck, indeed. Well, only time will tell if Broome will be able to live up to the expectations or not.
Charles Barkley gives a harsh reality check to Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama’s name has been making waves in the NBA, but not everyone is convinced he’s ready for superstardom. The young San Antonio Spurs player was recently ruled out for the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder, but even before this setback, some doubted whether he deserved all the hype.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley did not hold back during a discussion on TNT’s Tip-Off show. He addressed speculation about Wembanyama becoming the league’s next face, saying he wasn’t sold on the idea. Barkley noted that legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant earned their status through years of dominance, not just one strong season.
The Spurs rookie had been averaging impressive numbers—24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. However, Barkley made it clear that numbers alone aren’t enough. “Nobody should be given this title,” he emphasized, shutting down comparisons to icons like Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry.
Wembanyama’s health condition adds another hurdle. Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, the Spurs decided to sideline him for the rest of the season. Despite the setback, NBA veteran Kevin Durant had words of encouragement. He advised the young star to step away, focus on recovery, and return stronger when the time is right.
While Wembanyama has undeniable potential, Barkley’s critique serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t handed out—it’s earned. The road ahead is long, but if Wembanyama proves himself over time, he might just silence his critics.
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