Charles Barkley jumped out and volunteered, "Coach, if Arvydas isn't playing, the starting power forward spot should go to me! Let Ah Gan play center!"
Barkley, relying on his seniority, always voiced his opinions to the coaching staff, often demanding to start.
Carl understood the confidence of a superstar like Barkley and his insistence on starting. Starting is a symbol of status for players.
Especially for a former MVP-level superstar like Charles Barkley, it's embarrassing to come off the bench at the end of his career.
Carl didn't want to agree. If Barkley and Ah Gan teamed up inside, Gan Guoyang's defensive pressure would be overwhelming.
Plus, with Barkley's current stamina, it's most suitable for him to come off the bench and play aggressively for 15-20 minutes.
But Carl didn't dare refuse Barkley directly. He knew Barkley's temper and personality, and only Ah Gan could keep him in check.
