Charles Barkley, once a fierce competitor in the basketball world, harboured an unwavering confidence in his ability to conquer the sport. A belief that was reinforced with his addition to the?Phoenix Suns squad in 1992 via a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. The now NBA on TNT analyst has always been renowned for his outspoken and candid nature. It is a trait that has proven to be both a blessing and a curse for the 11-time NBA All-Star. In this instance, his honesty came at a considerable cost.?

During a recent appearance on the Bill Simons podcast, Charles Barkley addressed his former camaraderie with Michael Jordan. He also recalled his grandiose claims of being at the same level of Jordan and ?playing with Bums in Philly?. Barkley also divulged the reasons that led to the ending of their once vibrant companionship.

Charles Barkley once made bold claims about Michael Jordan?

During the conversation with Bill Simons, Charles Barkley recalled some of his controversial former statements. Aided by his dominance on the hardwood in the 1992-93 season, Barkley led the Phoenix Suns to clinch the best record in the league in his debut season with the team. The brilliant achievement was befittingly accompanied by him winning of the 1993 NBA MVP award, ahead of Michael Jordan. This made Barkley very confident on his abilities on the court.

Subsequently, the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals and were pitted against none other than the formidable Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Armed by his newly gained confidence, Barkley ended up making a bold claim, ?We’re going to the Finals. Cause I think I’m the best damn player in the world. Michael Jordan’s just better than me because he’s got better players. I’m playing with bums in Philly.??

The extent of this confidence was perhaps best encapsulated in Barkley’s resolute claim that he was superior to Michael Jordan, then widely considered to be the greatest player in the game. Barkley, armed with this belief, was convinced that with a fitting supporting cast, he could triumphantly lead his team to a championship, much like Jordan had done with the Chicago Bulls.

Despite being tantalizingly close to establishing himself as the game’s supreme player, Barkley’s pursuit of this aspiration was abruptly curtailed by the Bulls. Michael Jordan and the Bulls proved to be an indomitable force and ultimately triumphed over the Suns in a six-game series. In hindsight, Barkley’s claims might seem like hubris and fodder for ridicule. However, at that time, Chuck really believed he could defeat MJ in an equal contest.

Read more : Charles Barkley Reveals Why Michael Jordan Was the Person He Wanted to Beat the Most

The story behind MJ and Barkley?s expired friendship?

As two of the league’s most venerated figures, Barkley and Jordan, who had both entered the league in the 1984 NBA Draft, engaged in countless epic battles on the court. Despite the rivalry, the two legends held each other in high regard and even fostered a deep friendship off the court. Nevertheless, Barkley’s outspoken nature and his unabashed criticisms of Jordan’s decision-making as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets is widely speculated to have created a hopeless schism between the two.?

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“I try to surround myself with people like, hey, if I’m screwing up, please tell me. And Michael got offended about something I said about him. We haven’t spoken in probably almost 10 years. And he was my best friend at the time. And I love the dude like a brother and we’re both stubborn and we haven’t talked,” Barkley once stated, addressing the rift.