Charles Barkley’s prediction that the Clippers could be the second-best team in the West was met with skepticism, jokes, and even a few nods of agreement. The reality? He may not be that far off
If the Clippers stay healthy — and that’s a big “if” — they have the talent, depth, and playoff experience to make a real run.
Kawhi Leonard’s current form is elite, and James Harden is playing his role perfectly. With Paul George and others ready to contribute, the Clippers are quietly becoming a dangerous team.
Barkley’s take may have sounded “crazy” on the surface, but dig a little deeper, and it might just be prophetic.
They have everything it takes to make a deep postseason run—and maybe even emerge as the team that dethrones the reigning Western Conference champions.
All eyes are now on how they finish the regular season. If they can close strong against Sacramento and Golden State, Barkley’s prediction might not just look bold—it might look brilliant.
Also Read: Charles Barkley Fires Shots: Kenny Smith’s LeBron Ranking Had Charles in Stitches
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Charles Barkley’s Clippers Comment Sends Shockwaves Through NBA Fandom
Charles Barkley is no stranger to bold predictions. The NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst is famous for his off-the-cuff remarks and spicy hot takes.1
But when he told his Inside the NBA co-hosts that the LA Clippers might be the second-best team in the Western Conference, it sparked immediate reactions across the basketball world.
From laughter on set to an avalanche of opinions from fans online, Barkley’s proclamation once again reminded us why he’s one of the most entertaining voices in the sport.
“Can I Say Something Crazy?” – Barkley’s Bold Statement
On Thursday night, Barkley asked co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson for permission to say something “crazy.”
After the usual banter from Smith and a chuckle from Shaq, Barkley dropped his surprise take: the LA Clippers might just be the second-best team in the Western Conference.
That’s no small statement in a conference that features juggernauts like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and both LA teams.
Even Ernie Johnson, the usually composed host, added that Barkley might not be far off — if James Harden and the rest of the Clippers stay healthy.
Now we have all the power in the Universe? What should we do now…Jesus? What’s first on the agenda?
— Charles Barkley (@_CharlesBarkley) February 19, 2010
NBA Twitter Reacts: “The Clippers Have to Beat the ‘Clippers Curse’ and the ‘Chuck Curse’”
It didn’t take long for fans to jump into the conversation, many poking fun at both the Clippers’ long-standing playoff woes and Barkley’s history of inaccurate predictions.
One fan summed up the double-edged sword the team faces:
“The Clippers have to beat the ‘Clippers Curse’ and the ‘Chuck Curse’ now smh.”
Others questioned Barkley’s logic entirely:
“Did he not watch the game last night? The backups for the Rockets fought hard against the Clippers starters.”
Still more pointed out how difficult it will be for the Clippers to outperform other elite squads in the West:
“Believing that LAC is gonna make more noise than LAL is believing that Kawhi, Harden, & Powell will perform better than Luka, Bron, & Reaves in the playoffs. I don’t trust Harden like that.”
Charles Barkley: Defending the Take
Kawhi Leonard’s Resurgence
But not everyone dismissed Barkley’s take out of hand. Some fans and analysts pointed to Kawhi Leonard’s recent stretch of dominance as a reason for optimism.2
Over the past two months, Leonard has looked like the player who once shut down Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals. He’s averaged:
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25.0 PPG
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6.9 RPG
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3.2 APG
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2.1 SPG
Those numbers reflect a major leap from his performance earlier in the season. In January and February, he averaged just 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting 45.7% from the field and 39% from three.
Since then, he’s improved his shooting to 52.1% overall and 39.7% from deep.
James Harden’s Steady Presence
While Leonard has turned up the volume, James Harden has remained a steadying presence. His role as a playmaker and secondary scorer has allowed Leonard to take control of games.
Harden may no longer be the explosive scorer he was in Houston, but his basketball IQ and passing ability have been crucial for the Clippers’ rhythm.
It’s this balance — a healthy Leonard leading the charge, supported by Harden’s court vision — that has made the Clippers more dangerous than casual fans may realize.
Injury Concerns Still Haunt the Clippers
Of course, Barkley’s take comes with a massive asterisk — health. The Clippers’ roster, featuring Leonard, Harden, Paul George, and Norman Powell, has had a notorious history of injury problems.
Kawhi and George, in particular, have missed significant time in recent postseasons, derailing otherwise promising campaigns.
As one fan pointed out:
“You can never count on this team staying healthy. It always falls apart.”
Staying on the court is the biggest hurdle between the Clippers and a legitimate shot at the Finals.
Can the Clippers Overtake Denver?
The Clippers currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings, but they are within striking distance of the fourth-place Denver Nuggets.
If Leonard continues his high-level play and the rest of the squad remains intact, overtaking Denver isn’t out of the question.
That would not only improve their playoff seeding but could also help them avoid tougher matchups early in the postseason. With the middle of the West packed tightly, every win from here on out matters.
Charles Barkley’s History of Hot Takes
Charles Barkley has made plenty of outrageous predictions over the years.3
From declaring the Phoenix Suns would win the championship (they didn’t) to repeatedly doubting the Golden State Warriors during their dynastic run, Barkley’s takes have become part of NBA folklore.
But occasionally, he strikes gold. His support of the 2021 Bucks as dark horses was validated when they won the title. Could this Clippers take be another surprise success story?
Clippers vs. Lakers: Battle of LA Looming?
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the playoffs is a potential Clippers vs. Lakers series.
Both teams share the same home court at Crypto.com Arena and are loaded with superstar talent.
A playoff matchup between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard would generate massive viewership and rekindle debates about who runs LA.
While the Lakers have championship pedigree, the Clippers arguably have a deeper and more versatile roster. That said, playoff LeBron is a different beast altogether.
The Kawhi Factor: A Playoff X-Factor?
If Kawhi Leonard plays at this level in the playoffs, the Clippers will be a team no one wants to face.
Leonard has always been a player who steps up in big moments — from his Finals MVP with the Spurs in 2014 to his legendary 2019 run with the Raptors.
If his body holds up, he could be the ultimate difference-maker. Barkley’s belief might not be so crazy after all.
Can Harden Rewrite His Postseason Story?
Another piece of the puzzle is James Harden’s legacy. Despite being one of the most prolific offensive players of his generation, Harden has often fallen short in the postseason.
Whether due to injury, fatigue, or inconsistent performances, his playoff resume is littered with disappointments.
A strong run with the Clippers would go a long way toward changing that narrative. And maybe, just maybe, Barkley will be proven right — not just about the Clippers’ talent, but their hunger to finally break through.
Also Read: Joel Embiid’s Olympics Critiqued by Charles Barkley for Mediocre Performances
Why Charles Barkley Give the Nod to the LA Clippers?
When Charles Barkley speaks, the NBA world listens. The Hall of Famer and TNT analyst never shies away from bold takes, and his recent comments elevating the LA Clippers as the second-best team in the Western Conference raised more than a few eyebrows.
But for anyone paying attention to the Clippers’ recent form, Barkley’s statement might not be so “crazy” after all.
Since March, the LA Clippers have compiled a 16-5 record—second only to the OKC Thunder’s incredible 18-3 mark in that same stretch.
This isn’t a case of beating up on tanking teams or lottery-bound squads. The Clippers have faced playoff contenders and come out on top more often than not.
Every loss they suffered came in tightly contested games, showing how competitive and resilient this team has been. For Barkley, these aren’t empty wins—they’re proof that the Clippers are trending in the right direction at just the right time.
Gritty Losses Against Quality Opponents
A deeper dive into those five losses since March reveals how razor-thin the margins were.
On March 2, the Clippers fell to the LA Lakers 108-102 in a physical, playoff-like battle. Just two nights later, they lost to the Phoenix Suns 119-117, a game that went down to the wire.
On March 10, they suffered a rare slip-up to a shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans team, losing 127-120. Still, even that game showcased their offensive potency.
The final two losses of the month came against top-tier opposition: the OKC Thunder edged them 103-101, and the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted them 127-122.
None of these were blowouts. Every game was decided by single digits. These losses told Barkley that the Clippers, even in defeat, were right there with the league’s elite.
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Defensive Intensity: The Clippers’ Secret Weapon
What really caught Barkley’s eye wasn’t just the wins—it was how they were winning.
The Clippers have turned up their defensive pressure down the stretch. Kawhi Leonard remains a two-way beast, while Paul George’s wing defense has remained elite. But it’s also been the collective effort that stood out.
Tyronn Lue has the team rotating smartly, closing out on shooters, and contesting shots without fouling. Ivica Zubac has anchored the paint, while guys like Terance Mann and Norman Powell bring energy and hustle off the bench.
Barkley has always valued defense when making playoff predictions, and the Clippers’ improvements in that department undoubtedly influenced his opinion.
Veteran Leadership and Playoff Poise
- Another factor Barkley likely considered: experience. The Clippers aren’t a young, up-and-coming team—they’re veterans who’ve been through battles.
- Leonard, George, and Westbrook have been on deep playoff runs, and James Harden, now integrated into the system, gives them a unique playmaking dimension.
- Barkley knows that when the playoffs roll around, experience matters. Teams with battle-tested players are often more poised in crunch time.
- The Clippers, with their core of veterans, check that box in a big way.
- Injuries have derailed the Clippers in past seasons. But this year, they’ve managed to stay relatively healthy, and the results are showing.
- Leonard and George are both in rhythm, while Harden looks comfortable as the team’s primary facilitator.
- Barkley, having seen what this group can do when fully healthy, probably views this as the best shot the Clippers have had in years.
- With their stars clicking, LA becomes a nightmare matchup for just about anyone.
Charles Barkley’s Track Record
Barkley is known for his bold opinions, but he also has a sharp eye for basketball trends.
He’s been right before—like calling the 2021 Bucks’ title run or predicting Miami’s surge last postseason.
His recent endorsement of the Clippers isn’t made lightly. It’s based on watching the games, studying their form, and understanding what it takes to win in the playoffs.
That makes his statement more than just a headline—it’s a serious warning to the rest of the Western Conference.
Upcoming Tests Against the Kings and Warriors
The Clippers close out the regular season with road games against the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
These are no cupcakes—both teams are fighting for playoff or play-in positioning. If the Clippers win both, they’ll send a strong message entering the postseason.
Barkley has hinted that if LA finishes strong, his claim might look more like foresight than a hot take. These final games will be crucial in building momentum and possibly locking in home-court advantage.
Beating the Narrative
For years, the Clippers have been seen as underachievers. High expectations and disappointing playoff exits have created skepticism. But Barkley sees something different this time: a hungry, unified, and well-coached group.
His nod isn’t just based on stats—it’s based on feel. Barkley sees the intangibles—the body language, the chemistry, the edge. And he believes this Clippers team might finally be ready to silence the doubters.
Clippers vs. Thunder: A Potential Showdown?
If the standings hold, a potential playoff showdown between the Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder looms.
That could be an epic battle between two teams that have surged in the second half of the season.
While OKC has the West’s best record since March, the Clippers have been right on their heels.
Barkley’s belief that LA is the second-best team implies he thinks they could give the Thunder all they can handle—and maybe even knock them off.
Also Read: Charles Barkley (NBA): Bio, Wiki, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth 2024 and More
