After dropping an unhinged comment on the Sacramento Kings earlier this year, Charles Barkley did not seem to change his mind.
Last time in February, the outspoken NBA analyst compared Sacramento to the Harlem Globetrotters; however, now, he does not believe the Kings are close to returning to the playoffs.
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According to him, it would take nothing short of divine intervention for the franchise to contend again.
Speaking Thursday at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, the Hall of Famer delivered a blunt assessment when asked what Sacramento needs to reach the postseason.
“A miracle, the hand of God, the Pope coming to town before the Kings going to be any good,” Barkley said. “Yeah, we got to get Pope Leo in town.”
Barkley doubled down moments later, praising Sacramento’s supporters while expressing little confidence in the team’s current roster.
“The Kings are in bad shape right now, and it sucks because they have one of the best fan bases in the world,” Barkley said. “I love Sacramento fans, but they need a miracle.”
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His comments come as the Kings begin another rebuilding phase centered around rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Acuff has shown potential during Summer League, though Barkley believes one promising young player is not enough to change Sacramento’s outlook.
“He’s a good young player,” Barkley said of Acuff. “He’s got a very bright future, but you’ve got a long way to go.”
Sacramento enters the offseason facing several roster questions. The Kings waived DeMar DeRozan in a cost-cutting move, while trade speculation has continued to surround Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis.
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General manager Scott Perry has repeatedly said the organization’s priority is establishing a tougher, more disciplined identity after last season’s 22-60 finish.
The franchise has also emphasized youth by adding Acuff and fellow rookies Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp, while expecting second-year players Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell to play larger roles.
Barkley’s remarks stood in contrast to the optimism surrounding Sacramento’s young core. Although he acknowledged Acuff’s potential, he suggested the roster remains far from competing in a loaded Western Conference.
The Kings last reached the playoffs during the 2022-23 season, when they won 48 games before losing to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round. Much of that roster has since changed, with De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and now DeRozan all gone.
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Barkley has previously spoken positively about Sacramento’s fan base, and he reiterated that sentiment despite his criticism of the team’s outlook.
“I want to see the Kings do well because they’ve got a tremendous fan base,” Barkley said. “But you need God to come in, the Pope, Jesus, Moses. Y’all need a lot of help for the Sacramento Kings to be good.”
While Barkley’s comments were delivered with his trademark humor, they pointed to the challenge facing Sacramento as it attempts to build around a new generation.
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