"I see no lies" - NBA fans weigh in on Charles Barkley's criticism of Joel Embiid being out of shape amid poor Olympic run

Amid Team USA superstar center Joel Embiid's limited impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics, NBA legend Charles Barkley questioned his conditioning, sparking mixed fan reactions.

When Embiid committed to playing for Team USA over France last year, he was viewed as a player who could swing the Olympics further in the Americans' favor. Instead, the one-time NBA MVP struggled to be a consistent difference-maker during group play.

In Team USA's 110-84 opening win over Serbia, he tallied only four points and two rebounds, shooting 40% while missing all three of his free-throw attempts. He was later benched during the Americans' 103-86 victory over an athletic South Sudan team due to matchup concerns.

Embiid somewhat redeemed himself during Team USA's latest 104-83 triumph over Puerto Rico. He recorded 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks, shooting 42.9%. Nevertheless, he has been arguably one of the Americans' least vital players, averaging 9.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, shooting 42.1% as their starting center.

On "Podcast P with Paul George" on Monday, Barkley touched on Embiid's lackluster Olympic showing, calling him out for appearing out of shape.

"I think that's one of the reasons he's always injured. I don't think he's in good enough shape," Barkley said. "... You've got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played."

Many NBA fans on X/Twitter then blasted Barkley, who struggled with weight during his 16-year playing career, for being a hypocritical hater.

"Barkley of all people talking about being out of shape," @JTCEZN said.

"Charles Barkley is a generational hater. I respect it," @Sleeper_Hoops said.

"Charles Barkley can’t be talking," @TatumsAura said.

However, others agreed with Barkley, commending the Hall of Famer for not being afraid to speak the truth.

"At least Charles always tells it like it is. Joel Embiid has been very mid," @Likethewind888 said.

"Charles speaking facts," @onetimecards said.

"I see no lies," @Disown_Her said.

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Charles Barkley says he hopes Joel Embiid learns from Team USA Olympic experience

While Charles Barkley was critical of Joel Embiid's Team USA performance, he noted that the experience could benefit the big man's NBA career.

According to Barkley, Embiid has gotten a chance to learn what it takes to succeed alongside other premier stars. So, that should help him thrive alongside his Philadelphia 76ers co-stars Paul George and Tyrese Maxey next season.

"It works like that when he comes back to the NBA," Barkley told George. "Some nights, Maxey's gonna have it going and he's not going to get the ball. Some nights, you're gonna be going off and he's not going to get the ball.

"He can't mope around. He's gotta be like, 'Okay, it's Paul's night. Okay, it's Maxey's night. What can I do when I don't get the ball?' I'm hoping this is a good learning experience for him."

(from 20:09 mark onwards)

Embiid's Olympic struggles aren't expected to prevent Team USA's star-studded roster from capturing its fifth straight gold medal.

However, the seven-time NBA All-Star will face significantly more pressure to lead Philly to at least the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001. So, he will likely need to figure out how to complement his co-stars while still serving as a No. 1 scoring option.

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