“Don’t just stand there dummy!”: Charles Barkley goes on an epic tirade on NBA players who don’t have refined ball handling skills

Charles Barkley gives his take on players who stand still and wait to get a shot off; says these players need to learn how to dribble. 

Comparing NBA players from the 2020s to players that were stars back in the 60s, there is a stark difference in their skillsets. The fancy dribbling, the off-ball movement, shooting from beyond 35 feet on the regular; these are all skills that players have picked up in the past 20 years or so. 

Guys like Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Hakeem Olajuwon redefined what it meant to be a small guard, a shooting guard, and a big man in this league. The level of skill required to be a starting-caliber player in today’s NBA is much higher than what it was 50 years ago. 

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One thing that players need to master now more than ever before is their off-ball movement and ball handling skills. Charles Barkley harps on players that don’t necessarily have these skills in their bag. 

Charles Barkley takes to NBA on TNT to berate players who wait around the perimeter for a shot

The ‘Chuckster’ seems to be quite annoyed by the fact that there are guys in the league today who stand around, waiting for the ball to find them, instead of moving around, trying to find the ball. 

“One thing I think is really hurting the NBA is we got guys who are stationary shooters. They just stand there. Get the ball, put your head down, and make a move. If you just stand there. You’re easy to guard. Work on your game, learn to dribble. Don’t just stand out there like a dummy.” 

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Off-ball movement has become crucial in today’s game. With the number of cuts players make nowadays, whether it’s from the perimeter or backdoor, they need to be on the move constantly. 

Screen action in the NBA is also at an all-time high so shooting off the dribble is also a necessary skill to have. Guys like Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, and Damian Lillard have mastered these skills, and that is why they are as potent on offense as they are, and demand the respect of the opposing defense.