This year’s NHL Draft featured a host of special guests.
The annual spectacle saw a bevy of celestial objects shot into hockey’s atmosphere, from No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer to Swedish star Anton Frondell. Yet, it’s hard to imagine a more notable — or apt — participant in the proceedings than the Round Mound of Rebound himself, Charles Barkley.
Barkley appeared on the draft broadcast, chumming it up with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before delivering the Flyers’ No. 6 pick. He couldn’t help but send shots at the talents he analyzes during the NBA season.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Charles Barkley takes dig at NBA players during NHL Draft
Barkley is not one for niceties when it comes to discussing the current generation of NBA talent. He regularly criticizes players for missing action and has often expressed dismay at the way the game is being played.
Friday’s event proved a perfect platform, then, for Barkley to rattle off anti-NBA propaganda. He’s a known admirer of hockey, appearing on NHL on TNT a number of times since the network landed a television deal with the league.
MORE: Decentralized NHL Draft format roasted by fans on social media
The NHL appears to appreciate the attention; he was made the voice of the Flyers during their first-round selection, calling into the draft broadcast to announce Philadelphia’s No. 6 overall pick.
Before announcing that Philly selected Brampton (OHL) right winger Porter Martone, Barkley delivered a scathing rebuke of the NBA.
“There’s no BS that goes on in hockey,” Barkley said. “They don’t have load management, they just want to get their name on the Stanley Cup. I admire these guys, I respect them. They just want to win the Stanley Cup.”
Charles Barkley announces the Philadelphia Flyers’ first-round pick (No. 6 overall). 🏒🏀📺🎙️ #NHLDraft #NHL #NBA pic.twitter.com/USnsyBYJmA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2025
Barkley’s comments come at an interesting time. For one, NHL teams’ hostility to load management isn’t universally beloved. Secondly, Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles — mere days after suffering a calf strain — highlights the risk of playing while not at 100 percent.
MORE: Live results, updates, list of selections from Rounds 1-7
Barkley and some of his contemporaries have developed a reputation for talking down on the NBA. Friday’s comments were no exception. Whether Barkley will receive blowback for the remarks remains to be seen.
