NBA legend Charles Barkley recently shared his thoughts on how players handle their health and contracts. In a podcast appearance, he discussed Zion Williamson’s weight issues and the idea of resting during games. Barkley believes players should be grateful for their high salaries and not announce plans to skip certain games before the season starts. He mentioned that during his playing days, players wouldn’t publicly declare they wouldn’t play back-to-back games.
Barkley has been open about his own weight loss journey. He has lost 60 pounds and attributes this to a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. Even though he understands the need for rest, he feels players today don’t approach the game with the same seriousness as before.
Another NBA great, Kevin Garnett, shares similar views. He believes today’s NBA has lost some of its toughness compared to his time. Players like LeBron James and Joel Embiid resting for multiple games is something he doesn’t recall from his era.
This conversation highlights a shift in how players manage their health and game time in the NBA. It raises questions about whether today’s players value their high salaries and whether they should reconsider their approach to the game.
