NBA legend Charles Barkley slams Anthony Edwards hype and bets big on OKC Thunder

National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Charles Barkley has been part of the popular Inside the NBA coverage on TNT for years, but he will now have a new home after agreeing to a deal with ESPN for their NBA coverage.

Barkley is known for his sharp opinions and unfiltered commentary, and he has already challenged his new employers over their favorable opinion of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards. During a recent live broadcast, the 62-year-old criticized ESPN for their portrayal of Edwards, calling them out for attempting to make the 23-year-old the face of the NBA.

“Hey ESPN, I love you guys. But don’t try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. You can’t give it to people — they have to take it. And Gilgeous-Alexander is taking it,” Barkley stated.

“Hey ESPN, I love you guys. Don’t try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, [Nikola Jokic] and Giannis. You can’t give it to people, they have to take it, and [SGA] is taking it.”

– Charles Barkleypic.twitter.com/GlQLVMjk1B

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 27, 2025

The 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) also made a bold prediction, claiming that the Oklahoma City Thunder will win the NBA title this season. Barkley even invited viewers to bet against him, expressing his confidence that OKC is the best team in the league.

“This is the Oklahoma City Invitational. Whoever comes out of the East Finals, they are going to beat the hell out of them. The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the championship. Anybody who wants to bet any amount of money, come to my house — because I can afford it. OKC is the best team in the NBA,” he added.

Barkley has been critical of Edwards’ performances in the past as well. His recent tirade came after the guard’s poor showing in the Timberwolves’ 128-126 loss to the Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Edwards managed to register only 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range, along with four rebounds and six assists.

While OKC are undoubtedly on fire in the postseason, one cannot rule out the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, who are currently battling it out in the Eastern Conference Finals. As it stands, the Pacers appear to be on course to progress to the NBA Finals, as they currently boast a 3-1 lead heading into Game 5.

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