In a lighthearted twist during the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals clash between the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal engaged in a playful banter, culminating in a unique proposition. Disagreeing on the game’s outcome, Barkley, known for his love of gambling, initially suggested a $15 million bet in favor of his Suns.
“Dana White is gonna hook us up with Slap fest… As long as I get to go first, ’cause you know you’re soft. Once I hit you, you’re gonna drop like a sack of potatoes.” (3:50)
Seizing the opportunity to inject more humor into the situation, O’Neal swiftly upped the ante with a bold $30 million wager. However, Barkley, with a reported net worth of $60 million, comically balked at the idea saying he didn’t want to be black and poor again.
Attempting to steer the conversation toward a more amusing direction, TNT host Ernie Johnson proposed an unconventional resolution—a slap bet. Inspired by UFC president Dana White’s “Power Slap,” the idea involved a slap-fighting competition between the two former NBA stars. Barkley, exuding confidence, accepted the slap bet, insisting on going first and boldly predicting that O’Neal would drop “like a sack of potatoes” after his powerful slap.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to the announcement, Dana White, the president of the UFC, joined the fun on Twitter. White shared a clip of Shaq and Chuck playfully agreeing to the power slap challenge, amplifying the anticipation.
This entertaining exchange not only showcased the camaraderie and good-natured ribbing between Barkley and O’Neal but also introduced the prospect of a slap-fighting showdown, adding an unexpected and humorous element to the NBA tournament atmosphere.
Charles Barkley Obliterates Zion Williamson
Charles Barkley didn’t hold back during halftime of the In-Season Tournament game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings, launching a scathing critique of Zion Williamson’s fitness and performance. As the Pelicans star struggled with just two points in the first half, Barkley pulled no punches, asserting that Williamson is not in shape and heavily relies on his raw talent.
Barkley highlighted what he perceives as a lack of effort from Williamson, noting that he doesn’t run, plays at a slower pace, and fails to sprint during fastbreaks. The NBA Hall of Famer emphasized the need for someone to intervene and guide Zion toward a more disciplined approach to the game. Drawing from his own experience with mentor Moses Malone, Barkley believes that Williamson could benefit significantly from having a figure who would push him to improve his physical condition and maximize his potential.
While acknowledging Zion’s immense talent, Barkley expressed concern about the absence of a strong mentorship or leadership guiding the young player toward a more professional and committed demeanor. Despite acknowledging Zion’s ownership of the organization, Barkley insisted that the Pelicans would only reach their full potential if Williamson stepped up and committed to improving his fitness.
The critique comes amid observations that Zion, who seemed in better shape earlier in the season, might be struggling with his conditioning. Barkley’s comments, while sharp, also reflect a degree of optimism, suggesting that if Zion were to address his fitness concerns, he has the potential to be a truly special player.
It’s important to note that Barkley’s critique occurred during a game where Williamson had a subpar performance, and the player had been delivering strong performances in previous games. While the criticism might have been moment-specific, Barkley’s overall message conveyed a concern for Zion’s fitness and a call for greater dedication to elevate his game.
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