NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley has never been one to hold back his opinions, and his latest take on the Eastern Conference is already stirring debate.
Speaking ahead of the 2025–26 season, Barkley declared that the Philadelphia 76ers, if healthy, could be the best team in the East, despite oddsmakers favoring the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I mean, s***, the Sixers, if they could get healthy, they might be the best team in the East,” Barkley said. “I know the Knicks and Cleveland are probably going to be favored. I think the Hawks got better. But, man, I gotta tell you something; I ain’t got no faith in anybody right now in the East. The Cavs, they’re going to have to prove it before people give them their credit.”
Barkley’s comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding Philadelphia’s roster. On paper, a healthy trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey could rival any team in the league. But injuries have plagued the Sixers: Embiid played just 19 games last season before undergoing knee surgery, while George appeared in only 41 games due to his own knee issues. The projected “Big Three” shared the court just 15 times, posting a 7–8 record. The Sixers ultimately finished with a 24–48 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Oddsmakers currently list the Knicks and Cavaliers as the frontrunners in the East. New York has reached back-to-back conference finals behind Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, while Cleveland is coming off a 64-win season powered by Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
Still, Barkley isn’t convinced.
“The Cavs, they’re going to have to prove it before people give them their credit,” he said, echoing skepticism about Cleveland’s ability to translate regular-season dominance into postseason success.
Barkley also noted that the Atlanta Hawks improved this offseason, adding depth around Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis. While not considered favorites, Atlanta could be a dark horse in what many see as a wide-open conference.
With injuries sidelining stars like Jayson Tatum in Boston and Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, the East feels more unpredictable than ever. Barkley’s faith in the Sixers hinges entirely on health, a gamble that has burned Philadelphia before.
But if Embiid and George can stay on the floor, Barkley believes the Sixers could shock the conference and reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite.
