Overview
- Charles Barkley told Inside the NBA on Wednesday that the Cavaliers "suck" and criticized the team's roster decisions and the handling of big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
- After Cleveland beat the New York Knicks 115-107 at Madison Square Garden, Mitchell told Cleveland.com "Who gives a f—?" and said Barkley "ain't doing nothing for us in this locker room."
- Mitchell qualified his comments by saying he has "nothing but respect" for Barkley and the Inside the NBA crew while insisting outside commentary does not shape the team's work.
- Mitchell produced 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the win that improved the Cavs to 6-6 following a 5-6 start to the season.
- The exchange sharpens a wider debate over Cleveland's roster construction and usage of its big men and signals that players intend to let on-court results, not punditry, determine the team's narrative.