Charles Barkley rips TNT for Nikola Jokic snub on NBA graphic: ‘That’s completely stupid’

Charles Barkley was in mid-season form on the NBA’s opening night.

The “Inside the NBA” analyst confronted the league’s commissioner, Adam Silver on domestic abuse issues in the NBA. He also called out his own network for a promotional graphic.

The Denver Nuggets, the defending NBA champions, and its star Nikola Jokic and the two-time NBA MVP, were left off the TNT promotional graphic for the NBA’s opening night doubleheader slate. The graphics featured LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.

Barkley apologized while appearing on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM on Tuesday.

“You sent me that graphic, and I showed it to Ernie (Johnson) and we just want to apologize to the Nuggets, Joker and the city of Denver,” said Barkley. “That’s completely stupid not having Joker on that graphic. I mean, we’re here all day!”

Meanwhile, all Jokic did Tuesday night was record a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets began defense of their first NBA title with a 119-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Jokic had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in the NBA’s season opener. Both teams had all five starters score in double figures. LeBron James led the Lakers with 21 points in 29 minutes. Taurean Prince chipped in 18 points in his Lakers debut.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.