During pregame coverage of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament on TNT, Charles Barkley made a bold prediction.
Before the Pacers hosted the Celtics on Monday night, the 11-time NBA All-Star promised viewers that Boston would win the championship this season. It was early for Barkley’s stamp of approval as he usually doesn’t make such assurances this early. It was also the worst possible news for fans of the Celtics.
Barkley isn’t someone who has had the best luck with his guarantees in the past. A few seasons ago, he went 10-of-25 (40.0 percent) on his guarantees made during broadcasts. Earlier this year, per Sporting News, Barkley began 3-for-12 when he made a guarantee in May.
Chuck: “The Boston Celtics are going to win the championship… GUARANTEED!” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/cdzcbxfR8p
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 5, 2023
Some fans view Barkley’s guarantee as essentially the kiss of death.
Remember when the former NBA big man guaranteed that the USMNT would defeat the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup? It didn’t go well.
It also didn’t go well when Barkley assured fans that the Kings would eliminate the Warriors. But for those who want to see the Celtics win a title, Barkley did correctly predict the Nuggets would take home a ring last season, so not all hope is lost.
