There are 2 Types of people is this world:
People Who Enjoy Watching Things Being Built.
People Who Enjoy Watching Things Being Destroyed.
What does that have to do with Charles Barkley? Other than David Stern, no one was more important in building the NBA Brand of Basketball. And absolutely no one enjoyed it more.
You say Michael Jordan was the league's Greatest Asset? He was the league's greatest player. When Michael Jordan's Dad died, Jordan said he had to follow his heart...AND PLAYED BASEBALL. When Michael Jordan became an owner, he was detached and disinterested. Jordan was content sitting on his throne and counting his money. Jordan loved winning, whether it be basketball, gambling, or making money.
You say LeBron James was the league's Greatest Asset? He was his generation's greatest player. But LeBron's forte was drama, he wore out teammates, front offices, and fans. As soon as a LeBron Season ended, speculation began the very next day where he was going to play the next year, no matter how many years were left on his contract.. That didn't feed the public's interest in basketball, it made the majority of casual fans want LeBron to go away. You argue playing with his son next year is good for basketball? That's a nice human interest story, but that just makes him a good Dad. Playing with your Father doesn't come across as great when you finish 9th in the West.
Adam Sliver Sells Superstars
Michael Jordan Sells Product.
LeBron James Sells Drama
Charles Barkley Sells Basketball
Charles Barkley loves talkin' basketball. When Barkley and Jordan played together, Jordan said Sir Charles "wouldn't shut up." They teamed up together on the Dream Team and their friendship continued until Barkley criticized Jordan's Ownership skills. Here's the ruse, Jordan WAS a terrible owner.
But from the day he entered the league until today, Barkley shot from the hip. Basketball, basketball, basketball, what's good for the game, what's bad for the game, breaking down the game. Even when you'd think he had a full broadcasting plate, he called the powers that be in college basketball and said "hey, can I do some of your games too?"
Barkley made a very good living from basketball, there's no doubt about it. But what bothers me is, if he loves it so much, why is he leaving?
When he made his announcement that he was stepping away from broadcasting after next season, he thanked TNT and NBA TV over and over. I think Charles Barkley knows that both outlets gave him the freedom he needed to do his job.
Nobody at ESPN gets carte blanche. No one. And that's where the NBA is going. ESPN is not known to be a bastion of free speech.
Not since Wayne Gretzky in Hockey has there been a better Ambassador for their Sport than Charles Barkley. He enjoyed watching basketball being built.
In about 10 years, according to the Wall Street Journal, there will be players making $100 million a year. When the LeBrons, Kevin Durants, and Kyrie Irvings are gone, that next generation better step their game up. None of those guys listed in that last sentence liked Charles Barkley, he was too critical of their drama. But I am telling you, if the next set of guys are making 9 figures, complaining about load management, belly-aching the NBA is too much like having a job, and focusing on the drama instead of basketball, eventually that NBA Golden Goose will die.
I will enjoy watching things break for the NBA.
Right now, I'm watching the U-12 Future Stars of La Liga on Hulu. I love soccer. If the NBA plunged into lacrosse status, nothing would make me happier. The NBA's implosion would make me laugh like watching a good comedy.
For someone who hates the NBA, I can give nothing but begrudging respect to Charles Barkley.
He loves his sport.
I love my sport.
But if anything happens to me, soccer will be fine. When Barkley leaves, there's no one to fill that void.
and the biggest PIG