​Credits: Imagn Images (Donovan Mitchell), Getty Images (Charles Barkley)Charles Barkley appeared on the ‘Inside the NBA’ show ahead of tonight’s matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.The NBA legend shared that his view of the Cavaliers has shifted over the past six months, from championship contenders in the 2026 playoffs to now suggesting they should have broken up their core this summer.When Chris Webber (who was replacing Shaquille O’Neal on the show tonight) said the Cavaliers were growing older and seemed lethargic in their last matchup against the Knicks, Charles Barkley asked him to be more candid about his opinion.Here’s a transcript of the relevant parts of their conversation from that point with legends Chris Webber, Kenny Smith, and NBA media veteran Ernie Johnson.Charles Barkley:“Well, C Web just out here trying to be politically correct. Man, the Cavs suck.”Kenny Smith:“You think the Cavs suck?”Charles Barkley:“They suck.”Kenny Smith:“You thought they were going to win a championship last year, and now they suck in less than six months? Wow.”Charles Barkley:“Yes.”Kenny Smith:“Tell us why.”Charles Barkley:“This is three years in a row, we’ve had the same- They were number one a couple years ago, had the home court, got knocked out early. Last year they were up 22 and then didn’t win another game. Now you cannot bring this same team back; that’s insanity, thinking they’re going to have a different outcome.”Barkley said his main issue with the Cavaliers is that they didn’t make any significant roster changes this summer, and he also emphasized that their offensive game plan needs reconsideration.Charles Barkley:“This is the way this team should work. Donovan Mitchell gets the green light. You are our best player. Then we’re going to use the two big guys as the second and third options.”“James [Harden], we’re not going to worry about your field goal attempts. Kenny said it: you’re a better passer at this stage of your career. It should be Donovan Mitchell, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. If those aren’t your three best players, you’re not going to win.”“This team, they should have broken this team up. This will be the third year. James is older, but this is the third year in a row they’ve had a good record, and you think they’ll get a different result? They’re not going to get a different result. So they suck.”Kenny Smith went on to criticize the Cavaliers, saying they cannot use both their big men, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, on the court at the same time because of their lack of proficiency in shooting and defending the perimeter (three-point shooting), which usually doesn’t work well in the modern era.Charles Barkley:“I think Mobley does a good job guarding a three, and Allen can do something too. They don’t take advantage of being tall. It doesn’t do you any good to be big if they never give those two g