During a heated discussion on ESPN’s First Take Tuesday morning, the question of who represents the current face of the NBA was front and center. With the Minnesota Timberwolves trailing 3-1 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, the debate reignited over Anthony Edwards’ status. Charles Barkley sharply criticized ESPN’s attempts to crown Edwards as the league’s new star, instead spotlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the rightful figurehead of the NBA amid the Thunder’s playoff surge.
Comparing Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Roles
Despite Edwards’ strong back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, with last year’s playoff run ending against the Dallas Mavericks and the current series in jeopardy, Barkley remains firmly skeptical about Edwards taking the spotlight. Edwards is emerging as a key figure internationally as well, having helped Team USA secure Olympic gold in Paris, where he posted 12.8 points per game at 58% shooting efficiency. His contributions suggest his role in future Olympic teams will grow, yet Barkley’s critique focuses on league-wide impact rather than international success.
Barkley Endorses Gilgeous-Alexander and Other NBA Superstars
Charles Barkley emphasized that the title of the NBA’s face is something players earn through performance rather than media designation. He pointed to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the true leaders of the league today.
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.
—Charles Barkley, NBA analyst and Hall of Famer
Thunder’s Prospects and Barkley’s Championship Prediction
With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance, Barkley expressed his confidence in their potential to win the championship. He believes Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has transformed the Thunder into the league’s best team, a position he has maintained for months.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the championship,
Barkley proclaimed before Game 4 of the Knicks vs. Pacers series.
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.
—Charles Barkley, NBA analyst and Hall of Famer
Upcoming Collaboration Could Intensify Barkley’s Opinions
Barkley’s outspoken nature is expected to continue when he joins ESPN for Inside the NBA starting in the 2025-2026 season, marking his transition into a coworker with the network he has recently criticized. This development anticipates lively exchanges regarding basketball analysis and debates similar to the current
“Anthony Edwards NBA face debate with Charles Barkley.”