'I’ve changed my mind': Charles Barkley abandons Knicks, names new Eastern Conference favorite
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'I’ve changed my mind': Charles Barkley abandons Knicks, names new Eastern Conference favorite originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Charles Barkley guarantee has officially moved to "The Land." After previously crowning the New York Knicks as the future kings of the East, Sir Charles is making a hard shift that has the NBA world buzzing.
"I’m changing my pick," Barkley announced on ESPN. "I told y'all I thought the Knicks were coming out of the East...it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers that are coming out of the Eastern Conference."
More: James Harden & Cavs playoff hype: Why ESPN insider says to "pump the brakes"
Why the Change?
The "Beard" has changed everything. Since the blockbuster trade earlier this month that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden, the Cavs have been on an absolute tear. Cleveland remains undefeated with Harden in the lineup, a stretch where the future Hall-of-Famer has been rolling, averaging 18.4 points and 8.6 assists while shooting a blistering 48% from deep.
Even Darius Garland acknowledged the cold reality of Cleveland’s "win now" desperation. "They thought that James had something that I didn't, I believe... they want to win right now. They have a group too. And I guess I really wasn't part of the plan," Garland remarked.
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Cavs vs. Knicks
While the Knicks have size and grit, the Cavs now possess an intimidating blend of veteran shot-making and strong interior defense.
Barkley’s logic is simple: in the playoffs, you need "grown man" basketball. With Harden opening lanes for Donovan Mitchell and the twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen locking down the paint, the Cavs haven't just caught the Knicks—they’ve surpassed them.