We’re just days away from the start of the NBA playoffs with 16 teams (after the play-in tournament) vying for the NBA title. But Charles Barkley is worried about one particular team.
Appearing on NBA on TNT, Barkley said he was “worried” for the Philadelphia 76ers – his former team – in their upcoming series against the Toronto Raptors. When pressed, Barkley pointed out that the Sixers lost their season series to Toronto and has doubts about star guard James Harden.
“I am worried about my Sixers against the Raptors,” Barkley said. He added that if the Sixers don’t win the title this year, they’ll be in a difficult position next year.
Then Shaq weighed in and found himself in a rare agreement with Barkley. Shaq said that if Harden and star center Joel Embiid aren’t co-leading the Sixers in scoring every game, they will be in trouble.
“I am worried about my Sixers against the Raptors.”
Chuck and @SHAQ break down the Philly-Toronto series in the first round of the #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/qWSMoqcWas
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 11, 2022
The Philadelphia 76ers made a blockbuster trade to bring James Harden into the fold in the middle of the 2021-22 season. They sent Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry to the Brooklyn Nets along with draft picks to get him.
Harden rewarded the 76ers for their confidence with 21 points per game over 21 games – his lowest average since his Oklahoma City Thunder days.
The 76ers still finished very strong at 51-31, but could have gotten the second seed with just one more win.
Should the 76ers be as worried as Charles Barkley is?
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