NBA legend Charles Barkley raised a few eyebrows the other day when he said that it wouldn’t be horrible if Team USA didn’t win the World Cup.
Barkley pointed out that if a smaller nation won the tournament, it would make basketball even more popular overseas and bring increased awareness to the game.
Some people took issue with that comment.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was asked about this following Team USA’s latest win.
He mostly brushed off Barkley’s words, instead complimenting what he does on TNT.
“I bet he thought that was funny,” Jackson said, via Jeck Batallones, regarding Barkley’s statement about Team USA.
Jaren Jackson Jr. claps back at Charles Barkley's statement that it would be "great" for basketball if US doesn't win the gold medal so that it will give other countries a chance to shine. @ABSCBNNews #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/4q16RgrMrD
— jeck batallones (@jeck_batallones) August 30, 2023
Barkley was actually quite serious when he said that America losing in the World Cup could actually be good for the game of basketball.
On one hand, he is right that if a lesser-known nation claimed the gold it would certainly give basketball more exposure to that particular populace.
However, fans of Team USA were still disappointed to hear Barkley’s words.
Regardless, it is apparent that the American team didn’t pay attention to what he said.
The team is now undefeated in the World Cup.
Can they keep it up as they move into the second round?
Team USA will face some formidable opponents in the days ahead but Jackson and the rest of the squad will continue to play as they have been.
For his part, Jackson has produced 11 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
He has been on the court for about 16 minutes a game but that could change as the competition gets tougher and Team USA needs more of his defensive abilities.
Team USA isn’t focused on what Barkley said.
They are solely focused on winning.
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