The New York Knicks impressed many with their performance last season as they advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since the 2013 playoffs.
While the Knicks’ playoff run was commendable, fans expect the organization to have an even better performance in the 2023-24 season.
However, the Knicks haven’t been off to a flying start in the new season.
The franchise has played four games and has split them with a 2-2 record.
Keeping the mediocre start in mind, Charles Barkley sent a clear message to the Knicks, via Awful Announcing on Twitter.
“This team here is not gonna win anything,” Barkley said.
"I think the Knicks need to do something… You see how this movie's gonna end… 'We play hard. We're solid.' But they're not contenders… This team here is not gonna win anything… You can't be mediocre and stick with that."- Charles Barkley on the Knicks pic.twitter.com/qsuu37C7Sm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 1, 2023
The ultimate goal of any team in the NBA is to lift the glorious Larry O’Brien trophy.
But as Barkley mentioned, the Knicks aren’t a championship contender right now.
Even if they reach their full potential, they may repeat what they achieved last season, but the roster simply lacks a superstar to take the team to the next level.
The Knicks are apparently aware of this issue as they are reportedly in talks to trade for Joel Embiid, if he becomes available.
Embiid is a phenomenal talent and won the first MVP award of his career last season.
With the Philadelphia 76ers trading away James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, the entire responsibility to the lead the team falls on Embiid’s shoulders.
If he cannot manage that, the 6x NBA All-Star may finally demand a trade.
In that scenario, the Knicks may swoop in and acquire Embiid.
NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Sends Strong Message To Suns Star Amid Injury Issues
