Retired basketball forward Charles Barkley says new NBA players should be appreciative and play all games, talks about struggles in the years gone by

Charles Barkley is not an unheard name among NBA fans. Even though Barkley has bid farewell to his basketball career, he is still a popular public figure. In December 2024, he talked about the struggles of commercial flights during consecutive matches.
The video came from the popular YouTube channel where he touched on many personal and professional topics. He also highlighted how blessed today’s players are as they should be more appreciative and play all the games. Barkley explains the contrast between the condition of the players during his time and the new generation. Let’s a deeper look at what he said about today’s game and the player’s privileges.



In the video, Charles Barkley said, “I love today’s game. You know it’s really interesting when me and your dad say something, anytime an old head says something hating on the young guys, sometimes stuff can be true. They got some really great players today but it’s really just become a three-point shooting contest.
“And what’s amazing to me is we went out there with one leg, broken faces, cheap shoes, and flying commercial. Now these guys make the most money, bless them. They got the best shoes, they got the damn ice baths, they got hyperbaric chambers, and they’re always hurt.
“And I’m like, wait a minute, y’all got the best stuff ever. Like in our day, if you got hurt, that’s the stuff that can end your career. Now you’re back in six months and quote, unquote better. You probably don’t even know this, during my first three years in the NBA, I flew commercials.
“It was crazy being in the airport at 5:30 in the morning trying to sleep after you played the night before and got two hours of sleep. Fly half the day take a quick power nap, go to the gym, and try to basketball. I say, just be appreciative and play all the games.”
He also added, "I just wish these guys would realize how lucky they are. I mean, we're so blessed to play sports, but these guys today, they're lucky and blessed. I just hope they appreciate it."
Barkley emphasized how difficult it was for them to wait at the airport in the morning after a match. However, things have changed for the better now. Teams now have their own planes or take chartered trips. Additionally, the NBA has also put effort into minimizing back-to-back and too many games in a week. This allows players as much rest as they can get between games. However, they still sit out games to load manage. Hence, Barkley advises that the younger generation should play all the games.
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Charles Barkley was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1984 NBA draft. He retired in 2000 after being the fourth player in the NBA to score 20,000 points. After his retirement, he etched his name in history as a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.