It wouldn’t be a red carpet without a little Charles Barkley flavor, and this year’s NBA Cup event in Las Vegas got a classic dose of the “Round Mound of Rebound.” As the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 festivities ramped up, Barkley found himself in a hilariously awkward moment when not a single photographer snapped his picture as he made his entrance. Never one to shy away from a quip, Barkley took matters into his own hands with his trademark mix of charm and sarcasm.
The NBA Cup, a new addition to the league calendar, has brought the excitement of knockout-style basketball to Las Vegas, where the TNT crew, including Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, have set up shop. As the red carpet welcomed NBA stars and celebrities alike ahead of the highly anticipated finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder, Barkley was-at least for a moment-caught in an unfamiliar situation: being overlooked.
Charles Barkley calls out photographers on NBA Cup red carpet
Barkley, donning a sharp suit and his signature playful demeanor, stopped mid-step, glanced at the silent photographers, and decided to address the issue with a smirk. “Did y’all go to college to learn how to take pictures?”he asked, the hint of mischief unmistakable. When someone replied “yes,” Barkley delivered the knockout punch: “Wow, that must’ve been an easy course.”
The comment landed like a buzzer-beater. Reporters, photographers, and bystanders erupted in laughter, as did much of social media once the clip inevitably surfaced online. Sports fans have come to expect this sort of banter from Barkley, whose quick wit and “zero-filter” personality have made Inside the NBA on TNT a staple of sports entertainment.
Charles Barkley turns red carpet snub into viral gold as NBA Cup Finals near
According to Sports Illustrated, Barkley’s humor often blurs the line between roast and reality. This moment was no different, as his casual ribbing drew attention not just to the red carpet awkwardness but to his unrivaled ability to turn any situation into must-see TV. Social media, predictably, went into overdrive. Clips of the exchange circulated across platforms, with fans applauding Barkley’s lighthearted trolling and photographers shrugging off the friendly jab.
With the Bucks and Thunder gearing up for the NBA Cup championship, Barkley’s antics served as a perfect appetizer to the main course of hoops action.
As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted, Barkley’s love for Vegas is well-documented. “I love this city,” Barkley declared on the red carpet, “Y’all know I’m a gambler.” With two days left to enjoy the NBA Cup spectacle, Sir Charles remains in his element-having fun, stirring the pot, and keeping everyone on their toes.
For Barkley, being ignored by the cameras was just another opportunity to steal the show. With the NBA Cup finals looming, fans can only hope his courtside commentary matches the comedic fireworks he brought to the red carpet.
