If there’s one thing Charles Barkley is known for, it’s his unfiltered honesty.
On the latest episode of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” pregame show, the Hall of Famer and professional straight shooter took a moment to heap praise on Indiana Fever’s star rookie, Caitlin Clark.
And, of course, in true Barkley fashion, he didn’t hold back on the criticism of those throwing shade her way.
The whole saga kicked off when LeBron James discussed Clark’s impact on the WNBA during the “Mind the Game” podcast.
“The criticism she’s receiving is the weirdest thing in the world,” James said, shaking his head in disbelief.
It seems King James couldn’t fathom why anyone would be anything but thrilled about Clark’s arrival in the league.
Never one to miss out on a chance to stir the pot, Charles Barkley entered the chat during “Inside the NBA“, looking straight into the camera with that classic “Chuck” intensity.
“You women out there, y’all petty, man,” he declared, seemingly addressing other WNBA players.
“LeBron, you’re 100% right on these girls hating on Caitlin Clark. Y’all petty, girls. I expect men to be petty because we’re the most insecure group in the world. Y’all should be thanking that girl for getting y’all a– private charters, all the money, and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA.”
Watch the clip below.
Charles Barkley comes to the defense of LeBron James and Caitlin Clark:
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 23, 2024
“LeBron you are 100% right on these girls hating on Caitlin Clark. Y’all petty.”
(via: @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/thprlOHbIC
Clark, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft after a legendary collegiate career at Iowa, has certainly had a tumultuous start to her professional career.
Related: Angel Reese Makes Impressive WNBA Debut, Latto Supports
Despite her undeniable talent, the Fever have struggled, losing their first four games by a combined 57 points.
Yes, you read that right, an unfortunate WNBA record.
However, things have been looking up in their last two outings.
The Fever were more competitive, losing 91–80 to the New York Liberty and 88–84 to the Connecticut Sun.
Clark, undeterred by the rough start, is averaging 17.0 points, 5.5 assists, and shooting 34.3% from beyond the arc.
Not too shabby for a rookie finding her footing in the big leagues.
Charles Barkley’s comments come at a time when the WNBA is seeing an influx of young talent and increasing visibility, thanks in no small part to players like Caitlin Clark.
Her ability to draw attention and elevate the game has not gone unnoticed by the likes of Barkley and James, who see her as a catalyst for change in the league.
Do you agree with Charles Barkley’s notion that the other WNBA players are hating on Caitlin and should be thanking their lucky stars for her?
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