Charles Barkley had a legendary career in the NBA, becoming one of the most dominant and outspoken players of his era. Drafted fifth overall in the historic 1984 NBA Draft-a class that produced four Hall of Famers, including Hakeem Olajuwon (first overall), Michael Jordan (third overall), and John Stockton (16th overall)-Barkley made an immediate impact. Over 16 seasons, he averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, earning 11 All-NBA selections, the 1993 MVP award, and two Olympic gold medals. Never one to shy away from controversy, Barkley’s recent comments about a fellow legend have caused quite a stir.
Barkley’s Bold Claim on Jordan’s Defense
In a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley didn’t hold back when reflecting on his matchups with Michael Jordan. In a lighthearted yet pointed jab, Barkley claimed that Jordan couldn’t guard him, saying, “He’s too small, I would tell him 100 times, little man, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, he admitted that stopping Jordan was equally impossible, acknowledging that the challenge went both ways.
Seems funny because Jordan was a 9x first team all defensive team and the defensive player of the year in 1988, so even if he was “small” as Barkley says, which makes it funnier when you know they are almost the same height, Michael was and is actually the best two-way player in history, but of course its arguable.
Known for his rebounding prowess and relentless style, Barkley played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, leading the Suns to the 1993 Finals. After retiring, he became a cornerstone of TNT’s Inside the NBA, where his outspoken opinions and sharp wit have made him a fan favorite alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
The two icons, both from the 1984 draft class, faced off 55 times in their careers, with Jordan holding a 31-24 edge, including a 12-4 record in playoff matchups.
Their most memorable matchup came in the 1993 NBA Finals, when Jordan’s Chicago Bulls defeated Barkley’s Phoenix Suns 4-2 to secure the first of two three-peats for Chicago in the 1990s. Barkley won MVP that year, but Jordan won his third consecutive Finals MVP award, averaging a record 41 points per game in the series – including a 55-point outburst in Game 4, the second-highest single-game total in Finals history behind Elgin Baylor’s 61 in 1962. While Jordan often came out on top when it mattered most, the two rarely guarded each other directly due to their positional differences.
A Bond Forged in the Dream Team
Despite their on-court rivalry, Barkley and Jordan share a deep friendship forged during their time as teammates on the “Dream Team” at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. That summer, before their Finals showdown, the two dominated for Team USA, with Barkley leading the team in scoring (98 points) and rebounding (40 rebounds) in eight games, while Jordan added 76 points. The Dream Team went a perfect 8-0, cementing its place as the greatest basketball team ever assembled, and the experience strengthened the bond between Barkley and Jordan. Their mutual respect has endured, even as Barkley’s recent comments add a playful jab to their storied history.
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