“NBA Made a Big Mistake”: When Charles Barkley Blasted Teams for Blindly Emulating The Warriors

ByKamran Khan September 30, 2022August 5, 2025

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley’s candid take on other NBA teams trying to emulate the Golden State Warriors.

There is no denying that the Golden State Warriors are the standard bearers of revolutionizing the game of basketball in the modern age.

Stephen Curry and company have changed the landscape forever with their ability to run down the court, followed by their never-before-seen shots.

Today’s NBA is much more skill-based than ever. The 3-ball is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially for potential hopefuls who want to turn pro.

Size is no longer the only criteria for making it to the league, with greats like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic constantly striving to improve their jump shot despite standing close to six feet tall.

Rarely do players today possess the ability to terrify in the paint the way Shaquille O’Neal did in the past. While superstars like the Greek Freak continue to keep the paint game alive, possessing a long range will certainly get you higher.

Also read: Power forward Charles Barkley, accustomed to “running like Derrick Rose and finishing like Russell Westbrook”

Despite this fundamental change, veteran forward Charles Barkley believes teams shouldn’t model their style of play on the Warriors. Nicknamed the Round Mound of Rebounding, Barkley called out today’s greats for not utilizing his size.

“Why do I want physically bigger, stronger guys on the perimeter?”: Charles Barkley casts a shadow over today’s centers

Coming from the old-school era, Barkley doesn’t understand the league’s obsessions with the 3-point ball. While he has nothing against the Warriors, the former MVP doesn’t understand everyone who tries to emulate them and doesn’t play his natural game.

“The NBA made a huge mistake when everyone tried to model themselves after the Golden State Warriors. A couple of reasons I think it’s stupid to play like this is because it’s not. 1 you get your game size advantage, why do I want Karl-Anthony Towns, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, why? Do I want physically bigger and stronger guys? Why do I want them on the perimeter?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk50rS1tZ84

Aside from The Chuckster’s points, the teams except GSW have failed to develop individuality, something that Steve Kerr and his team continue to reap benefits after. However, this is changing, with the evidence being the MVPs of the last four seasons with Giannis and Jokic winning, two each.

However, the Dubs still have the secret recipe when it comes to winning the final stage.