“I Don’t Think He’s That Dumb”: Making an Example of Himself for Nikola Jokic, Charles Barkley Pokes Shaquille O’Neal Continuing the Ever Going Banter

Though Charles Barkley is widely considered one of the best talents ever to embrace the sport of basketball, the Hall of Famer failed to bring an NBA Championship to his trophy cabinet. While many may question the legendary status of Barkley with no Larry O’Brien trophy, the 1993 NBA MVP has always been outspoken about his feats regardless of no NBA Championship wins. Nonetheless, in a recent interview, Charles used himself as an example to defend Nikola Jokic while taking a humorous jibe at his long-time friend Shaquille O’Neal.

Though he failed to win a third consecutive NBA MVP, Jokic has managed to take the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Finals. But while the world awaits the conclusion of the Eastern Conference Finals, the argument revolving around Joker’s impact on the Nuggets team has already begun.

However, Jokic now has the support of the NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley who didn’t hesitate from applauding the Serbian Center. But after praising the Nuggets star, Chuck then continued his longstanding banter with his frenemy Shaq with a witty response.

Why did Charles Barkley believe Shaq isn’t ‘that dumb’?

Ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals Game 6, Barkley appeared on the Dan Patrick Show. During his 20-minute interview, the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player spoke on the current generation of golfers. While talking about the high build-up leading toward Nikola Jokic’s first NBA Finals, Charles relates himself to the Joker.

“I love the guys who on the cr** list with me who are great players who haven’t won the Championship”, said the 60-year-old. However, after being concerned for Jokic, Barkley then said, “I really would love to see Joker win it because he’s never going to get his due until he wins the Championship. That’s just the way this things work out now”.

Nonetheless, the host, Dan Patrick, then reminds Charles about the times when his Inside the NBA co-host Shaquille O’Neal frequently trolls Barkley for never winning the NBA Championship. “Does Shaq think he’s getting to you when he brings up that you didn’t win”, asked Patrick to which Chuck humorously replied, “I don’t think he’s that dumb”.

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While the former Phoenix Suns’ Power Forward may have sounded off on his good buddy, it’s safe to say he has nothing but respect for Nikola Jokic. Apart from hoping for the Joker to raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time, Barkley also claimed that the Serbian star is the best basketball player in recent years.

No one better than the Joker in the past two years according to Barkley

Seconds after trolling Shaq, the Hall of Famer further shared his wisdom on how people in the current generation have been treating basketball as an individual sport. However, he then continues to talk wisely about Jokic while applauding him. “Joker’s been the best player really probably for the last three or four years”, said the 60-year-old.

Charles Barkley also credits a ‘healthy’ Jamal Murray who has been a successful ‘sidekick’ for the Joker. Regardless, Jokic has proved the world of his incredible basketball talents. As he has the blessings of the 1993 NBA MVP, it might as well be the time for the Serbian star to complete his illustrious trophy cabinet. Or will someone hijack the party of the Joker? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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