Charles Barkley gets brutally honest about Karl-Anthony Towns' ceiling as a big man

The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the league. They have had some promising developments this season, especially with Jalen Brunson leading the charge. Head coach Mike Brown has a promising team, but there might be a significant issue with Karl-Anthony Towns.

The 30-year-old big man is a tremendously talented player, but he has some significant problems. Defensively, most people know that he can be a liability. At the same time, he lacks the right decision-making when it comes ot his offense, which was highlighted by Charles Barkley.

Towns receives scathing criticism from Barkley

Amongst all the elite big men in the NBA, Towns is one of the most talented. He can post up against anyone, but he can also put the ball down the floor and beat his defender off the dribble. When combined with his shooting touch from all over the court, he is one of the toughest big men to defend.

Everyone knows that he is a special talent, but a lot of people feel that he is not utilizing it to its full potential. Towns is a special player, but many believe that he is too passive, especially when it comes to using his size to his advantage.

MORE: 'I’ve changed my mind': Charles Barkley abandons Knicks, names new Eastern Conference favorite

Barkley and his fellow Inside the NBA analyst, Shaquille O'Neal, have always disliked perimeter-based centers. They appreciate the talent that Towns or Joel Embiid have. However, they do not love the idea of a big man abandoning their best strengths.

"He doesn't know how to play basketball. The matchup dictates whether you shoot 3s or you go post up. He's a heck of a player, but when they put a little guy on you, go in the post. He's a great shooter. I ain't letting no little dude guard me," Barkley said ahead of the Knicks' Saturday game against Houston.

Barkley does make a valid point because Towns does have the advantage over most of his matchups. It is about making the right decisions, as Towns could properly serve as the Knicks' second-best player if he learns how to play to his strengths more.

More NBA news: 

• Stephen A. Smith’s warning: Why the Knicks must win the 2026 NBA Title—Or wait 25 more years
• Blake Griffin gets honest about the Knicks' defensive woes with Karl-Anthony Towns
• New Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan gets honest about what led to his exit from the Spurs
• Jalen Brunson sends clear message regarding his next contract with Knicks
• Jalen Brunson shares his contributions to the decision making of Knicks' front office