"You Just a Dead Man Walking" - Charles Barkley Completely Eviscerated JJ Redick For Suggesting The Inside The NBA Crew Was Partially Responsible For People Not Watching
A few weeks ago, JJ Redick stepped to the podium to offer his thoughts on the NBA's TV ratings, the product on the court and the issues the league faces, things of that nature
If you've been around these parts, you've probably noticed it's sparked a few blogs on this here website featuring both sides of the argument. One thing that most people picked up and ran with at the time was JJ's stance that one of the biggest issues in the NBA is how the media talks about the game, calling out Inside The NBA specifically. A bold choice considering that's the most beloved TV show maybe ever, even if there is some truth to what Redick was trying to say. The NBA absolutely has a media/marketing problem. That alone isn't that hot of a take, but taking shots at Chuck & the gang is a little more bold.
Since that presser, we hadn't really heard from the Inside crew about this, until tonight. When I say Chuck unloaded the clip, I mean he eviscerated JJ Redick
While I may disagree with Chuck on some things, one thing I'll never object to is him shitting all over the Lakers for how garbage they are. He's right, JJ is a bit of a dead man walking because we all know what happens when the Lakers underachieve. It's not going to be LeBron or Rob Pelinka's fault. It's going to be JJ's. He's going to get canned for it. Chuck is right, they do stink. The ugly girl dig was brutal, but sometimes honesty hurts.
At the same time, JJ did have a point. All you had to do was watch the halftime show to understand what he meant. It was a great game in MIN/BOS and the second it went to the TNT studio all Chuck/Kenny/Shaq did was shit all over it. Both teams were shooting great from deep and they couldn't handle it. They trashed it live on TV, which was Redick's overall point. A great game between two good teams was talked about as if it was some sort of suckfest, which it wasn't.
Then again, this was the analysis viewers were getting
None of that makes any goddamn sense. Sam Hauser is literally put on this earth to take and make open corner 3s (he made 5 3PM). His taking that shot is exactly what he should be doing in that spot. The man had made 4 in a row before that shot. Not to mention the ball is well out of his hand before Gobert even comes close to contesting it. Shooting there is the right play, not attacking a Gobert closeout. On that Tatum clip, not only was this a MADE Pritchard 3PM, but it was very clearly a set the Celtics were running to get him open and Tatum was patient with the ball as it developed. Instead, Kenny wants him to drive into Rudy Gobert?????? This makes you feel like you're taking crazy pills.
We all love Inside The NBA. It's legitimately one of the greatest entertainment shows of all time. It's must watch every time it's on TV. But it's not wrong to say the basketball side of it is somewhat of an issue. People don't go there for it so it's whatever, they just want to be entertained. But listen to Chuck in that clip! Talking about a trash product where it's just 100 3PA. In reality, it was a great shooting night for both teams in a game that came down to the final play!
The Wolves did something that's only happened one other time in NBA history
and the Celts made 22 3PM while shooting 38%. Pretty good if you ask me!
So while both JJ and Chuck are somewhat correct in their rants, one thing JJ should not do is respond. You don't want to go toe to toe with Chuck. He's teflon. He can say whatever the hell he wants and my guess is tonight was only 10% of what he's capable of.