“I Think Me, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing Will Be Fine”: Charles Barkley on the Effect of Living Without an NBA Ring

There is a huge list of the most talented players who went on to win an NBA championship. However, it is possible that a few names will be missing from the list. The 90s especially deprived a few stars of their dream to win the title. A part of that solely lies in Michael Jordan’s dominance with the Chicago Bulls. But, Charles Barkley thinks it is okay for him to not have a title to his name.

Charles Barkley was one of the most talented players belonging to a particular generation. Entering the NBA in the same year as Michael Jordan, he never got the spotlight he deserved. Growing under the names of Dr.J and Moses Malone with the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley moved to the Phoenix Suns in hopes of winning a championship.

Upon moving to Phoenix in 1992, he averaged 25.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game to claim his first regular-season MVP award. He outclassed MJ to win the award and led his team to the NBA finals against the Chicago Bulls. 

Charles Barkley feels his life will not be incomplete if he doesn’t have an NBA championship

Barkley had an illustrious career and the NBA title was the only thing missing from his resume. The 11-time All-Star in an old interview from the 90s revealed how he and other players who never won the title are just going to be fine. 

As transcribed by Basketball Network, Barkley says, “I was sitting in my room quiet the other night because they were doing the “The Special” on me, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing, about how our lives are so miserable and incomplete because we never won a championship. If you tell people, it’s not the most important thing they say you are defensive, and you’re lying. I love that everybody tells me what I’m thinking and what I’m feeling.”

He further added by saying, “I just want everybody out there knows I’m going to be alright if we don’t win a championship. I’m not going to become like a mass murderer. He even said “I’m not going to cut my wrists; I’m not gonna jump off a building in downtown Houston. I think me, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing will be fine.”

Barkley was just voicing his opinion on what it means to not have an NBA title to one’s name. Especially being a talented player like him or Patrick Ewing or Karl Malone. The 6-foot-5 forward wanted to assure everyone concerned that they’ll just be fine.