NBA personality Charles Barkley went out of his way to both praise Scottie Barnes and take a shot at Evan Mobley ahead of tonight’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. Barnes has been a tremendous top star for Toronto this postseason to shockingly tie the first-round series where they entered as huge underdogs. Barkley wanted to make sure the NBA world knows that Scottie is better than Mobley when praising him.
Inside the NBA was the source of the following clip from Barkley:
“Scottie Barnes is a better player than Evan Mobley – number one. He’s a better player. I keep telling you Scottie is a top 15 player. If he played in the States on a good team, (he’d get a lot more attention). We don’t ever show them (on our networks).”
Barnes has become an underrated fixture in the league due to his all-around play. Toronto has seen Scottie take massive strides forward for his offense. Defense remains his strongest asset as one of the top defenders in the league. Barkley felt that Barnes deserved more love since he gets less attention and accolades than Mobley and other players around the league.
Why Charles Barkley Called Out Evan Mobley
Mobley won the Defensive Player of the Year Award last season and continues to get praised as one of the top two-way players in the league. Cleveland has been considered a top Eastern Conference favorite in the league over the past few years. Donovan Mitchell and Mobley are considered the two top players leading them to prominence.
Barkley and others have hinted at Mobley being overrated since his offense leaves a lot to be desired in major games. Mobley is having a lackluster postseason so far and getting more criticism for not using his size or athleticism to dominate games.
Barnes has made game-winning plays stopping Mitchell on defense and making huge shots on offense. Mobley doesn’t impact the game as directly and often gets defensive praise for analytical reasons. Barkley represents a lot of old school players who prefer a player like Barnes defending the best player and showing no fear on offense.
Scottie Barnes Has Chance To Become Real Superstar
Diehard NBA fans already know that Barnes is an All-Star, but he is reaching the rare superstar status. Toronto had a great season that shows a successful rebuilding process thanks mostly to Barnes stepping up and taking his game to another level.
The Raptors have a realistic chance to get to the second round, despite terrible offensive play from Brandon Ingram and missing Immanuel Quickley due to injury. Barnes leading Toronto past a roster with Mitchell, Mobley, and James Harden would earn him more respect around the league.
Barkley wants fans to know that he is on the bandwagon now and that Barnes is already a top 15 player in the league. The fifteen best players to qualify will usually get voted as an All-NBA player. Barnes is hoping that he gets his first All-NBA selection this season after leading the Raptors to a top five seed.
Charles Barkley Says Scottie Barnes Is Better Than Evan Mobley