As usual, Charles Barkley did not hesitate on the All-NBA rule which now requires players to play a certain number of matches to qualify.
It’s no secret that the NBA pre-game and post-game show on TNT features some of the most entertaining discussions you’ll see on cable television, with Charles Barkley’s opinions And Shaquille O’Neal normally paving the way for an instant reaction.
So when the topic of a rule change to qualify for the All-NBA teams came up, it shouldn’t surprise Charles. Barkley and O’Neal have arrived as they usually do. That said, it was Ernie Johnson, the host and moderator of the popular show, who might have had the opinion of the evening on the topic at hand.
“If you haven’t played 58 games, I can’t vote you All-NBA. …Where else do you draw the line?@TurnerSportsEJ on his All-NBA voting criteria pic.twitter.com/Xs9GyyGcj4
– NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 7, 2023
For context, the league said in order to qualify For All-NBA and other awards (including MVP), players must play a minimum of 65 games during the season. If Johnson’s criteria were the rule of law, Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard would not be eligible for any of these awards this season.
Barkley felt the threshold should be higher than 65, saying 70 games is the minimum that should be reached. Barkley’s caution came from the fact that injuries happen, but if the missed games are due to load management, players should be able to reach that number of games.
Speaking of load management, this is why we’re talking about incentivizing players more to play. The topic has been controversial, with preparation for the playoffs becoming the priority rather than pushing it during the regular season.
It appears Johnson wants that limit set at 58, and Shaq said 60 to 65 games is a good thing. For the record, Kenny Smith agreed more with Barkley.
