Charles Barkley on Tuesday blasted Paul George and his defenders for whining about how much criticism he receives.
DeMarcus Cousins was among those who gave an impassioned defense of George following PG’s big 41-point game to help his Clippers avoid elimination against the Suns in Game 5 on Monday. He said he didn’t understand where the narrative about George being a choker originated. Cousins questioned anyone who thinks George is a choker.
George also said it was a “fact” that he is unfairly targeted.
During “Inside the NBA” on Tuesday, Barkley blasted all that talk. He said the scrutiny George faces is no different than what any other excellent/franchise player faces.
Barkley is right. George wants to be considered a top player in the league and a franchise centerpiece. Part of the responsibilities of such a player is to carry his team in the playoffs, which George consistently has failed to do. He also brought even more attention to himself by dubbing himself “Playoff P” and then failing to live up to the moniker.
The scrutiny George has received has been commensurate to his status as one of the top players in the league. Any extra criticism has been the result of George’s own doing.
More must-reads: