Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NBA Great Charles Barkley 'Hates' NHL Star For Strangest Reason

Originally posted on Back in the Day NBA on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated May 23, 2025 5:29 PM ET

TNT analyst Charles Barkley to ticking off NBA players during broadcasts.

On Thursday, he switch over to the NHL realm. Barkley took aim at Seth Jones of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Barkley gave the strange reason why during an NHL Altcast.

"Listen, man, that guy right there, I love watching [Panthers' Brad] Marchand," Barkley said. "He's one of those guys you would love to play with. I have nothing but admiration and respect for him."

Charles Barkley loves Brad Marchand but hates Seth Jones because his dad, former NBA player Popeye Jones always beat Chuck pic.twitter.com/9QbK0LhdmY
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 23, 2025

The tone change when Barkley shifted to Jones, whose father, Popeye, played against Barkley in the NBA. The elder Jones spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and a few others before joining the coaching ranks.

He matched up with Barkley on several occasions during their careers.

"Let me tell you something," Barkley said. "I hate Seth Jones. I really do. His dad, I played in the NBA for all those years, his dad was the only person that kicked my ass all the time. Bird was great. McHale was great. Karl Malone was great, Garnett, all these guys. I can hold my own against those guys. I never had any success against Popeye Jones. To this day, I have no idea why. So I'm gonna always hate Seth Jones because of his dad."

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This article first appeared on Back in the Day NBA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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