Charles Barkley is never one to be gun-shy about his thoughts especially as a TV analyst for TNT. Just before the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors tipped off at the Quicken Loans Arena, Barkley made a bold prediction: The Cavaliers won’t make it to the NBA Finals.
Just seconds into TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ pregame show, Barkley spoke his mind about Cleveland’s chances of making it four straight trips to the NBA’s biggest stage.
“I tell you what,” Barkley says. “The Cleveland Cavaliers are not going to make it to the Finals.”
The Hall-of-Fame player turned broadcaster was adamant that the Cavs have too many things distracting the team that’s keeping them from their main goal.
Barkley explained further what these are.
“They got too many distractions. I said it last week, I think the uncertainty about LeBron, Isaiah’s playing for a contract, all the rumors about Tristan Thompson getting traded. I don’t think they’re going to be able to turn it on. I’m not sure who can beat them, but I’m telling you I don’t think they can turn it on.”
As controversial as Barkley’s statements sound, the last few weeks haven’t shown any evidence to prove him wrong.
Cleveland has been on a horrendous slide since losing to Golden State on Christmas day. After tonight’s 118-108 loss to the Warriors at home, they have now lost nine of their last 12 games, including four straight, three of them blowouts.
If the Cavs want to prove Barkley wrong, they will have to buckle down and play much better. They cannot dismiss the possibility of rocking the boat a little whether through a lineup tweak, a trade, or perhaps even a coaching change to get their groove back.
Otherwise, it’s going to be one cold summer in Cleveland.