It takes a lot to impress a guy like Charles Barkley, especially when it comes to NBA ball. But for some reason it looks like the Round Mound has seen something that others don’t on the New York Knicks.

Whatever it is he saw, Barkley makes a bold forecast – that of which is the Knicks reaching the NBA playoffs.

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For most, such is bold indeed considering the Knicks have just played a couple of games and are not among the touted favorites in the Eastern Conference this season. More to that, Barkley may want to backtrack a bit and check the final team standing of the Knicks (17-65).

So whatever reason he may have for saying so is beyond us but there must be something.

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The Knicks hardly improved this season, adding known names like Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez to the mix. The names are hardly the players one would consider to make an impact on the Knicks roster though Afflalo and Carmelo Anthony were once teammates in Denver.

Then there is controversial rookie pick Kristaps Porzingis who didn’t exactly immediately get a warm ovation when he was announced as the Knicks’ pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. His lean frame is apparently a concern though some consider him as another Dirk Nowitzki in the making.

Thinking playoffs at this stage and calling it does seem a bit off sync. But then again, Barkley has been known to defy the extremes. Can his bold prediction bear any fruit?

Well the first thing that the Knicks may want to do is try to improve on their record. Not just improve but at least get more wins than losses.

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