Karl-Anthony Towns on why Charles Barkley is a Top 5 power forward ever: "Don't let what you see on TNT fool you"
Shannon Sharpe recently asked Karl-Anthony Towns to list his top five power forwards of all time. The New York Knicks star had no problems naming his first three—Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki. However, he struggled after that. The 28-year-old ultimately picked Karl Malone and Charles Barkley and explained why the latter deserves to be on his list.
"Charles Barkley was so special," KAT said. "He was so good. People got to take the time to go back and watch Charles Barkley highlights. Like, don't let what you see on TNT fool you, bro."
Looks can be deceiving
Inside the NBA's Charles is an out-of-shape host who likes to make fun of himself on national TV. But during his playing days, the "Round Mound of Rebound" was always one of the most feared guys in the Association.
Despite being an undersized forward, "Sir Charles" dominated the game with his speed, athleticism, and physicality. He retired as an 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP.
Despite never winning an NBA championship—most people downplay his legacy because of it—Charles is undoubtedly one of the greatest forwards the league has ever seen. That's why KAT couldn't leave him off his top five.
"That man was a beast. He was a beast," he continued. "And he had a jumper. People don't even credit him for the jumper. I'm gonna give it to Charles, man. I know he be talking, but yeah, I respect you, Charles."
Charles has been critical of KAT's game
Towns didn't specify what Chuck said about him. That said, he most likely referred to Barkley's criticism of him during the 2024 Playoffs when KAT claimed he shoots 1,500 three-pointers daily in practice after going 0-8 from long range in a 116-107 Game 3 loss against the Dallas Mavericks.
"First of all, he's lying. Like, yo man, let's just say hypothetically he's telling the truth. Is he shooting 1,500 threes? That's the problem. It's the type of shots he's getting. That's the problem. It has nothing to do with him working on his game. What are the types of shots you're getting? If he's out there shooting threes, he's still 4-32. He should be shooting at midrange or post-up. That would be my question because that's always been my criticism of him," Barkley said.
The Hall of Famer has been very critical of today's NBA stars, particularly Zion Williamson and KAT. But he does it in good faith, with the goal of maximizing their talent. Towns giving Barkley his flowers proves the Knicks forward also sees it that way.
