“I would probably shorten the season, play 70 games” - Charles Barkley believes NBA could reap more profit if the season starts post-Christmas

Charles Barkley always speaks his mind, and this time he has a take that might give the NBA something to think about. He suggested that the league commences during Christmas, highlighting that it would be more profitable.

The NBA struggled to get back to its regular schedule after the COVID-19 pandemic. The league has finally achieved that, with players having enough time to rest in between seasons.

However, Chuck believes things would be better if the NBA resumed during Christmas. He stated that competing against the NFL and college is not a wise option.

On Bleacher Report's "Taylor Rooks X," Chuck was asked what changes he would make if he was the NBA commissioner for a day. The reduction in games was one of them, as he also gave takes on load management and ticket pricing.

(From 13:30)

"Number three. I would probably shorten the season, play 70 games because you know they add in playoff games you can make up the difference in that. And I wouldn't start the season until Christmas because number one nothing can beat the NFL, it's on a whole other planet. But college football is really popular and significant also.

"If you go back and look at our ratings, our highest ratings ever was because of the strike, the season then started till Christmas. And everybody want to say people wanted basketball back I said no had nothing to do with that.

"You're not competing with college and the pros that was the big difference. We would still have the entire schedule January or February March April May June till ourselves and there's no other sports realistically during that time.

"We'd have our own isolated situation and when you don't have competition. Listen, pro football and college football on a whole nother level those people are addicts they're going to love those two sports. So, the number one thing you can do is to avoid those and starting at Christmas. That's my three suggestions."

Players will undoubtedly love the idea of playing fewer games, as it would help increase their longevity.

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Charles Barkley believes playing in the NBA is "like hitting the lottery"

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley

NBA players are some of the most successful athletes in the world, which is why young kids dream of going to the league. However, Barkley believes it is difficult to get into the NBA and advised youths to pursue education.

Chuck made an appearance at the enshrinement ceremony of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2022 class. When asked if he had any advice for young players, he said:

"When I talk to young Black kids, we never talk about athletics. Because this is like hitting the lottery to be able to play basketball for a living," Barkley said. "I talk to young Black kids about being doctors, lawyers, teachers, firemen, policemen, engineers, and things like that.

"I never talk to young Black kids about playing sports. Listen, there's 200-something players in the Hall. The chance of you being there is like hitting the lottery. When I talk to young Black kids, please get your education."

Charles Barkley asserted that he was not a role model to kids in 1993, which stormed a controversy. However, he is advising that youth focus more on education rather than a basketball dream.

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