The Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to face off in the NBA Emirates Cup Final later today.
But former Hall of Famer , Charles Barkley, is taking the spotlight because of his rude comments against press photographers during an NBA event in Las Vegas leading up to the Final. Check out his comment:
Charles Barkley calls out photographers on NBA Cup red carpet
The NBA Hall of Famer got into typical banter with photographers working the arrivals assignment for the event, and in his attempt to be funny, ended up insulting their profession.
Chuck rips Rocket’s NBA Cup performance
Barkley didn’t hold back when commenting on the Houston Rockets’ recent victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Despite snapping a 15-game losing streak against the Warriors with a 91-90 win, Barkley questioned the Rockets’ readiness for high-stakes competition.
“They don’t have any idea how to play basketball,” Barkley said, critiquing the team’s performance.
“They play the game strictly on talent. They should’ve won that game by- they have so much more talent than the Warriors. They’re not ready for primetime, the refs had to give them this game tonight.”
Barkley’s harsh assessment comes after a gritty win that sent the Rockets to the NBA Cup semifinals, ultimately lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder who will play in tonight’s final.
Despite the Rockets’ obvious potential, Barkley acknowledged their future prospects, but emphasized areas that need improvement.
“They’ve got a bright future,” he said.
“But man, they’re going to have to learn discipline, learn how to take care of the ball, they got to learn shot selection.”
The NBA Emirates Cup Final will take place Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena.
The team that takes home the coveted trophy will go home with a hefty payday for each player reported to be about $514,971.
As for the losing team, they will get a consolation check worth $205,988 per player.
Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
