The NBA announced the starting lineups for the 2016 All-Star game on Thursday, and since this took place live on TNT during a one-hour special, that meant that Charles Barkley and the rest of the crew would be there to provide some instant analysis.
In a discussion of which players should be named as reserves, Barkley gave some random criticism of Miami's Hassan Whiteside -- who happens to lead the league in blocked shots, is second in the league in field goal percentage, and is fifth in the league in rebounding.
Here's part of what Barkley said, via the Sun Sentinel:
"He can either make them a really good team or make them mediocre. . . . Dwyane is slowing down. Bosh is going to do alright. . . . This kid here has so much potential, but he’s so inconsistent. . . . He's not even close to an All-Star."
Whiteside evidently heard what Barkley had to say, and responded by posting everyone's favorite Nick Young meme to Instagram, with a caption that read "When Chuck says you don't rebound enough but you top 5 rebounders in the NBA in less than 30 mins #FACTS."
Those are indeed #FACTS, but Barkley isn't the only one who has criticized Whiteside recently, and the numbers do suggest that the Heat might be better defensively without him.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com
