Charles Barkley says the NBA is in a good place after the New York Knicks won their first championship in over 50 years.
What happened?
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the 2026 NBA Finals.
Charles Barkley, the Hall of Fame basketball player and longtime NBA commentator, spoke about the NBA's strong state on Thursday during the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe.
Why it matters for Charles Barkley
Barkley praised the Knicks' fan base, saying it was incredible.
The NBA has several young stars, including Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards, who are helping carry the league forward.
What comes next?
Barkley also discussed the legacy of "Inside the NBA," the long-running studio show featuring Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith.
The show moved to ESPN and ABC coverage for the 2025-26 NBA season after decades on TNT.
Barkley feels lucky to have made a career talking about basketball.
He joked about his comments on San Antonio, saying people there treated him well during the NBA Finals.
Barkley was interviewed during the American Century Championship, which brings athletes and celebrities to Lake Tahoe each summer for a week of golf and competition.
The Knicks' championship win marked a significant moment for the NBA, with Charles Barkley weighing in on the league's strong state.
On Thursday, Barkley spoke about the NBA's future, citing the young stars and the Knicks' fan base as key factors.
The American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament provided a platform for Barkley to share his thoughts on the NBA.
Charles Barkley's comments on the NBA's strong state reflect his enthusiasm for the league's future.
The New York Knicks' championship win has generated excitement among NBA fans, with Charles Barkley praising the team's achievement.