As the NBA season tipped off, the Inside the NBA team of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson shared their insights on the 2015-16 NBA season. You know that Sir Charles is never shy in expressing his opinion, so we knew this would be fun.
At the time, Kobe Bryant‘s retirement decision wasn’t set in stone, like it is now.
Kobe Bryant will not continue playing after 2015-16 it was announced yesterday.
Charles Barkley then on if this will be Kobe’s final season:
“I hope it is his last year. He is one of the greatest players ever. I don’t want to see him out there just playing, just for the heck of it. He could play, but it wouldn’t, obviously, be the same. He keeps getting hurt; his body can’t take the NBA pounding anymore. Everybody’s body gives out at some point. I want to remember the great Kobe Bryant. I want him to come out and play 20-25 minutes a night and have a farewell tour.”
Charles Barkley last night, after Kobe announced his decision:
“In my pecking order, I’ve got him as the sixth greatest player of all-time. I’ve got Michael No. 1, Oscar No. 2 and Bill Russell, Kareem and Wilt [round out] my top 5… He’s just had an amazing career, it’s been a pleasure and an honor to watch Kobe play all these years.”
“We need to just appreciate what this guy did. He’s actually unique. He’s the first guy who went directly from high school to the [NBA] who’s on Mt. Rushmore… That’s a pretty amazing accomplishment and we should appreciate that greatly.”
“You can’t take away his greatness… He’s the closest I’ve ever seen to Michael Jordan. I never thought I’d ever see anyone comparable to Michael Jordan… but he’s probably the closest I’ve ever seen.”
Well said Charles Barkley. Farewell Kobe
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
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