NBA Fans were split but loud after comments from Charles Barkley about the NBA Cup made the rounds online.
The discussion started when @LegionHoops posted: “Charles Barkley says the NBA Cup is ‘embarrassing’,” adding Barkley’s full quote, “I’m disappointed that we have to make an in-season tournament to make these guys more money.”
Charles Barkley says the NBA Cup is ‘embarrassing’:
“I’m disappointed that we have to make an in-season tournament to make these guys more money.”
(via TomTolbertShow / YT, h/t @awfulannouncing) pic.twitter.com/MEgSeE9o4l
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 16, 2025
That take did not sit well with a large part of the fan base. NBA Fans quickly flooded the replies, some agreeing with Barkley’s frustration, others mocking the wording and tone.
One of the most viral reactions came from @hollywoodt9, who wrote: “NBA has become almost unwatchable as it’s a money WOKE grab! [clown emoji].”
The comment drew attention not just for the message, but for how exaggerated it sounded to many readers.
Still, plenty of NBA Fans pushed back. @aibra offered a calmer response, saying: “Terrible take, im sure the rookies on the teams are appreciating the opportunity to make a little extra cash. IMO it also makes the begining of the season more interesting. My only complaint is the @PrimeVideo production, doesnt make it feel like a big NBA broadcast.”
That reply echoed a common theme in the thread.
For many NBA Fans, the NBA Cup has added stakes to games that usually feel routine. Younger players benefit. Fans get meaningful matchups earlier in the year. The criticism isn’t just about money, but about whether tradition should outweigh change.
While Barkley’s voice still carries weight, NBA Fans made it clear they don’t all see the tournament as a problem. Some enjoyed the edge it brought. Others simply enjoyed having something new to argue about.
As usual, the loudest takes traveled fastest, but the replies showed a more balanced reaction than the headline might suggest.
NBA Fans Say The NBA Cup Win Felt Earned, Not A Cash Grab
NBA Fans circled back to the NBA Cup itself after the backlash toward Charles Barkley’s comments. This time, the focus shifted away from money and toward how the games actually felt.
When @NBA posted: “The Knicks are the 2025 @emirates NBA Cup Champions! 🏆” with the team’s win graphic, the replies leaned more positive than critical.
Some NBA Fans celebrated immediately. @Kaizerrev wrote: “And the Knicks are winning the Finals too! [fire emoji].”
While clearly optimistic, the reaction captured the mood of fans who enjoyed the ride and the moment.
Others kept expectations in check but still appreciated the win. @PrizePicks replied: “The only trophy they winning,” a comment that sparked debate without dismissing the achievement entirely.
Even those who downplayed the Cup did not frame it as a money scheme.
Across the replies, NBA Fans focused more on competition than cash. Many pointed out that the games felt intense, players cared, and crowds reacted like they would during bigger nights. That mattered more than what the trophy was called.
There was also little support for the idea that fans felt tricked or exploited. NBA Fans talked about matchups, momentum, and pride, not payouts or branding. The Cup gave structure to early-season games that often get ignored.
In the end, NBA Fans seemed aligned on one thing. The NBA Cup may not replace the Finals, but it delivered real moments. For viewers, that was enough to enjoy it without reading deeper motives into every whistle and banner.
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