Turner NBA analyst Charles Barkley is not a Wizards fan. Barkley once famously said when discussing the team, that “even a broken clock is right twice a day.”
Analyst Kenny Smith sometimes refers to the team as the Washington Generals, the team that is served up as fodder for the Harlem Globetrotters.
And Turner Sports newest analyst, Shaquille O’Neal, recently said in a conference call that the team had no leadership.
Given that perception of the team, it’s hard not to assume that the Wizards woes are the reason that Wizards point guard John Wall slipped all the way to the 12th spot before Team Chuck, Barkley, finally selected Wall to be on his squad for the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 24 at All-Star Weekend in Orlando.
The game was formerly the Rookie vs. Sophomore game, which the rookies won last season 148-140, and Wall walked away with the MVP by dishing out 22 assists. This year’s revamped format features two teams selected by Barkley and O’Neal, where the rookie and sophomore players are mixed together.
Wall is averaging 16.7 points and 7.6 assist this season. His assist total is first among all sophomores in the NBA, and his scoring is second behind L.A. Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who beat out Wall for Rookie of the Year honors last year.
Guards chosen ahead of Wall – Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Jeremy Lin (Knicks), Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves), Paul George (Pacers), and Marshon Brooks (Nets).
Lin, a second year player, and Norris Cole, a rookie, were late additions to the game, due to the extraordinary popularity of Lin, and the outbreak of “Linsanity” that is sweeping not just NBA fans, but casual sports fans as well.
Members of Team Chuck: Wall, Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), DeMarcus Cousins (Kings), Paul George (Pacers), Derrick Williams (Timberwolves), Gordon Hayward (Jazz), San Antonio Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Evan Turner (76ers).
Members of Team Shaq: Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Jeremy Lin (Knicks) Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves), Greg Monroe (Pistons) Markeiff Morris (Suns), Kemba Walker (Bobcats), Landry Fields (Knicks), Norris Cole (Heat), Detroit rookie Brandon Knight (Pistons), Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers).
