NBA legend Charles Barkley has called on the Philadelphia 76ers to provide LeBron James with more support.
The Philadelphia 76ers began their season with a statement victory over the reigning champions New York Knicks, spoiling their night of celebration.
Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey led the charge – but the real story of the night was LeBron James making an impact for his new team.
Joel Embiid praised LeBron James for the way he played some minutes as a backup center to defend Karl-Anthony Towns, giving the team a further option.
Sixers legend Charles Barkley was impressed by LeBron James’ contribution, but he is worried that the team are asking too much of him if he will be required to contribute at center all season long.
Taking aim at the lack of size on the Philadelphia bench, Barkley told 97.5 The Fanatic: “Man, they get really small when they go to the bench. They gonna have to find some size. I was watching the game, like, man, they got a bunch of little leprechauns out there when they go to the bench, and they gotta find some size.”
Barkley’s ‘little leprechauns’ comment was made to emphasize his concerns, and may have been a dig at the smallest player on the roster, Anfernee Simons, 6ft 4″, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is 6ft 5″.
For the record, Barkley was in a similar range himself. He was listed at 6’6″ during his career but has conceded 6’4″ is more accurate. He made up for a lack of height by playing the power forward role with such a force and ferocity that he seemed even bigger than his listed size.
Barkley fears LeBron could get ground down
Barkley did acknowledge the Philadelphia 76ers signing 7ft 6″ center Tacko Fall, who was ruled out of the opener with an injury. He is a bit of a long-shot as he has been playing in China recently, not featuring in the NBA since the 2021-22 season.
He said: “I saw they signed Tacko, and I said, okay, that makes sense.
“They’ve got to find some size somewhere on that second unit because LeBron can’t be playing them big dudes at 42, Game 25 into the season, 35, 40, and then try to make it to the playoffs. They’re gonna have to find some size somewhere because LeBron did a good job last night playing.
“But he can’t hold up at his age trying to play up against those big guys for the next seven months.”
LeBron James was the ultimate facilitator on the 76ers team at the Madison Square Garden, with the new-look roster rising to the challenge of getting one over on the Knicks.
But we all know the health problems Joel Embiid has endured throughout his career, and there will be nights he is unavailable or simply sat out.
LeBron James should also be used sparingly. He turns 42 in December and is playing at a remarkably high level still, but he also had months to prepare for the season opener.
Barkley is right to point out the grinding nature of the season, with 81 games remaining before the playoffs.
The Sixers would be smart to follow Barkley’s advice to add more depth.
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