Charles Barkley Reflects on Being Humbled by Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals: “He Was Better Than Me” | NBA News
NBA legend Charles Barkley has never shied away from speaking his mind. But in a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, the Hall of Famer shared a rare moment of vulnerability, recalling the 1993 NBA Finals when he finally conceded that Michael Jordan was the better basketball player.
Charles Barkley’s Bold Belief Before the Finals
Coming off an MVP season in 1992–93, Charles Barkley had just led the Phoenix Suns to a league-best 62–20 record. Riding high on confidence, he firmly believed he was the best player in the world—even over Michael Jordan.“I did not think Michael Jordan was better than me until he beat me in the Finals,” Barkley admitted. That mindset wasn’t new. During his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley recalled having early success against Jordan and the Bulls before they became a dominant force in the NBA.“When I was in Philly we actually had success against them, then they got good. They beat us in the playoffs one year, but I thought it was because he had some better players around him.” (H/t: Clutch Points)
The Dream Team Challenge
The 1992 Barcelona Olympics also played a role in stoking the fire. During practices with the famed “Dream Team,” Barkley had a defining conversation with coach Chuck Daly that stuck with him.“Chuck Daly had told me, ‘You’re the second best player in the world.’ I said I’m the best f—ing player in the world,” Barkley recalled. “He says, ‘No, that guy right over there is the best player in the world.’ I said, ‘Well I’m going to prove it to your a– this year when we play them in the Finals.’”This moment lit a competitive flame in Barkley, who confidently predicted a Finals showdown between the Phoenix Suns and the Bulls before the season even began.
Barkley’s Preseason Prediction
According to Barkley, he made his bold claim during the Dream Team practices and doubled down on it in training camp with the Suns.“I said, ‘We’re going to play the Bulls in the Finals.’ How you know that? ‘Because I’m the best damn player in the world and I’m going to prove it.’”But as the series began, the weight of the challenge started to sink in.
The Finals: A Humbling Experience
Phoenix lost the first two games at home, shaking Barkley’s self-assurance. In a touching moment, he recalled his daughter crying after Game 2, and for the first time, he voiced doubt.“I said, ‘Hey, just relax we’re going to be fine, but I got to tell you something. I ain’t never said this in my life but I think that guy might be better at basketball than I am.’”Despite the Suns pushing the series to six games, Jordan’s brilliance ultimately secured Chicago’s third consecutive title.Also read: Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell Are Engaged: Grammy Star and NBA All-Star Celebrate Love in Dreamy Proposal
Jordan: The Only One Charles Barkley Admits Was Better
Years later, Charles Barkley still holds firm that Jordan was the only player he ever considered better than himself. “I thought Michael Jordan was a better player than me. That’s the only player I ever played against I thought was better than me.” For Barkley, the 1993 Finals weren’t just about basketball. They were about legacy, humility, and ultimately giving credit where it’s due.
