Charles Barkley Once Pointed Out NBA MVP Award Flaw Using Shaquille O’Neal and Bulls Legend as Evidence

For every award given, there’s always a snub or two discussed. Charles Barkley is acutely aware of it. He furthers it even. He’s repeatedly called out snubs and voting systems in NBA awards, very often during his day job at TNT. However, he addressed the flawed voting systems way back in 2002 in his unapologetically titled memoir, I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It. He illustrated his point with examples of his best friends.

He referenced the time Christian Laettner was picked over then LSU standout, Shaquille O’Neal for the ‘Dream Team’. And it wouldn’t be the only time Chuck felt his on-air frenemy deserved an honor denied to him. And he somewhat pinned the blame on a former friend.

Charles Barkley wanted Shaquille O’Neal to win

In his 2002 book, Charles Barkley referenced the discussions and debates that surrounded the historic 1992 Olympics basketball team aka the ‘Dream Team.’ Leading the team were superstars, including Michael Jordan as well as Magic Johnson who came out of retirement.

The amateur recruit, Christian Laettner’s selection over Shaq who would be the first overall draft pick that year was contentious. Similarly, several award races have ended in controversy. Charles touched on that in his book.

Barkley writes, “It’s like the All-Star Game and being voted MVP. A lot of guys have All-Star-caliber seasons, but don’t make the team. Shaq, like Michael Jordan used to be, is always the MVP, but doesn’t always get voted the award.” 

Barkley and Jordan had a falling out over the latter’s management of the Charlotte Hornets. Regardless, he’s not disparaging MJ for his hardwood performances. 15-time All-Star Shaq has been NBA MVP once in 2000 while the Chicago Bulls legend has been voted MVP five times.

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The Round Mound of Rebound suggested that both these legends were probably the most valuable players for more years than they received the award. The same argument could even apply to generational talents like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

However, over time, Barkley has made his peace with the league’s unsatisfactory selections.

Chuck says the hard truth

It’s not uncommon for the Round Mound of Rebound to make the TNT air uncomfortable with the cold hard truth.

Not long ago, he showed that he does care who wins the MVP Award for its snub to Nikola Jokic. Back in his prime, Chuck himself was bitter about losing the honor to Magic Johnson. He even called out ESPN for prejudices and doubled down on the points recently.

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Barkley sleeps easily after disrupting everything we know about NBA awards. Can you make peace with his opinions?