Charles Barkley calls out ESPN over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Anthony Edwards debate

ESPN’s First Take spent time on Tuesday morning discussing who the face of the NBA is. Kendrick Perkins argued against Anthony Edwards, just hours after the Minnesota Timberwolves went down 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Others have argued in favor of OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with his team one win away from the NBA Finals and recent MVP.

Charles Barkley is not too big a fan of those debates, calling out ESPN on the matter. He does not want the Worldwide Leader to “make” Edwards the NBA’s face instead of attempting to “take” the distinction. Barkley gave props to Gilgeous-Alexander along with two other international superstars.

“Hey ESPN, I love you guys,” Barkley said. “Don’t try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joker (Nikola Jokić), and Giannis (Antetokounmpo). You can’t give it to people, they have to take it. And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken it.”

Edwards is back in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive postseason. Last year saw them fall to the Dallas Mavericks and barring an incredible comeback, the same will be true vs. Oklahoma City.

He was also a key part of the United States team that left Paris with an Olympic gold medal. In six games played, Edwards averaged 12.8 points per game while shooting 58% from the field. In future Olympics, Edwards will only see his role increase with the team.

Even so, Barkley is going with Gilgeous-Alexander as the face of the NBA. The personal numbers speak for themselves and this would be SGA’s first NBA Finals appearance of his career. Barkley is taking Oklahoma City to wind up with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, adding another massive feather in the Canadian’s cap.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the championship,” Barkley said ahead of Tuesday’s Game 4 between the Knicks and Pacers. “Anybody that want to bet me any amount of money, come to my damn house because I can afford it. OKC is the best team in the NBA, I’ve been telling y’all that for two months.”

As for Barkley calling out ESPN, he will soon be considered a co-worker with them. Inside the NBA is moving over to ESPN beginning with the 2025-2026 season. There should be some fun back-and-forth over takes given out, especially since Barkley is not afraid to say what is truly on his mind.