Charles Barkley: Pelicans 'need to get a lot better' to make playoffs
Many NBA analysts expect the Pelicans to be much improved under new head coach Alvin Gentry this season, but Charles Barkley isn't convinced the team is a lock to make the postseason.
Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Barkley had all kinds of praise for Anthony Davis. But he believes the team as a whole may continue to struggle in a very deep Western Conference.
Said Barkley: "Lebron (James) is the best player but obviously at some point father time takes over — he's already breaking down a little bit now from all the minutes and all the olympic stuff he's been doing. But Anthony Davis is going to be one of the best basketball players in the next two to three years. He is unbelievable. Great kid also."
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Barkley went as far as to say the team is "in a little trouble."
"When you look at the teams, Oklahoma City is going to make the playoffs, and they were the No. 8 seed last year... so that's one spot. They've got to get a lot better to make the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Barkley picked the Thunder to win the West and said the Pelicans will have to find a way to get into the playoffs.
