After the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night for the final game of the 2025-2026 regular season, the NBA legend Charles Barkley shared some strong words for the Bucks.
The Bucks quickly parted ways with Doc Rivers following the action. The veteran head coach hits the free agency market for the first time since he was cut loose by the Sixers a few years back.
In the week leading up to the season finale, it was becoming clear that Rivers’ time with the Bucks was running short. A recent piece from ESPN put a lot of heat on the legendary head coach, which prompted Barkley’s Sunday night comments.
Charles Barkley Calls Out Milwaukee Bucks
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 14: Charles Barkley attends HBO Premiere For Four-Part Documentary “SHAQ” at Illuminarium on November 14, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for HBO)
“First of all, Doc, you’ve had a hell of a career. If you want to keep coaching, keep coaching. But let me tell you something, they got some punks in that damn Milwaukee locker room,” Barkley said on Inside The NBA.
“When you leak what happens in team meetings, you’re a punk. You know the locker room is sacred. You’ve seen fights. You’ve seen players fight and coaches fight. That should never get to the press. When’s the last time that happened on a good team? I just think when you’re on a team, there are disagreements all the time. Players and coaches get into it all the time because it’s an emotional game. But for the media to know exactly what happens in the meetings? That’s just a punk ass move, in my opinion.”
Rivers reportedly caused some tension in a team meeting when he reportedly told players to Google him and check out his resume. While the head coach recently downplayed the situation, that didn’t change Barkley’s mind.
The Sixers Know This Situation Well
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Joel Embiid #21 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Last season, the Sixers had their own run at seeing their in-house drama get leaked to the press. Back in November, 2024, an ESPN report revealed that 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey “challenged” the former MVP Joel Embiid, following a disappointing loss.
The struggling Sixers had an emergency team meeting and hoped that some tough love would galvanize the squad and fix some of their concerns. Instead, the details were leaked to the press, which caused even more drama surrounding the 76ers.
To Barkley’s point, the Sixers weren’t a good team in 2024-2025. Not only did they miss the playoffs, but they missed the NBA Play-In Tournament.
This year, the Sixers are hoping to bounce back, as they have a shot at the Eastern Conference No. 7 or 8 seed. The Bucks will search for a head coach and enter a critical offseason with some more major questions.
76ers Legend Calls Out ‘Punk’ Bucks After Doc Rivers Move