Rather than providing analysis from TNT Studios, Charles Barkley called Thursday night’s Knicks-Bulls game from the United Center. And he criticized the New York team numerous times throughout the broadcast.
That didn’t go over well with Knicks team president Phil Jackson, who took to Twitter to rip Barkley during the first half of the game.
Barkley then responded to Jackson’s tweet at halftime (via Ian Begley of ESPN.com).
“I can respect Phil Jackson … But he’s too old to be tweeting.”
Barkley then elaborated on the reasoning behind his criticism of the Knicks. He also speculated about why Jackson ripped him during the game.
“He takes it personal when people talk about the triangle. … You need players, the league has always been about players, and always will be.”
Criticizing the Knicks is like grabbing a piece of low-hanging fruit. The team is 5-23 and is off to its worst start in franchise history. Aside from Carmelo Anthony—who is currently playing through a knee injury and hasn’t been his usual self so far this season—the starting lineup is comprised of guys who would likely come off the bench as role players for other squads. The roster is barren and the team lacks depth.
And Barkley happens to be right. The triangle offense has not been effective in New York, and it may not be conducive to success given the players currently on the team’s roster.
Let this be a lesson to us all. Don’t rip the triangle offense when Jackson is around. He does not take kindly to it.
[ESPN.com]
