Charles Barkley Says Kevin Durant 'Part of Generation' That Can't Handle Criticism
The past and present Suns forwards have traded words in the last two months.
In almost quarter of a century on TNT's Inside the NBA, Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley has never been afraid to make his opinions known.
After all, the Round Mound of Rebound's legendary broadcasting career has spanned nearly a third of NBA history. During that time, Barkley's contemporaries have given way to younger generations of players given over to different values.
Barkley took aim at one younger player in particular — Suns forward Kevin Durant — Sunday evening in a segment on 60 Minutes profiling his journey.
"He's very sensitive. Great player," Barkley said. "He's part of that generation who think he can't be criticized. He's never looked in the mirror and says 'Man, is that a fair criticism?"
Barkley and Durant have gone back and forth in the past. In just the past two months alone, Barkley has called Durant "a little baby" while Durant has remarked that he doesn't "f--- with Barkley's approach."
When asked by Jon Wertheim whether modern players were more sensitive than Barkley's generation, he replied, "That would be an understatement."
On Feb. 9, Durant was traded from the Nets to Phoenix, where Barkley played from 1993-96.