When Michael Jordan disagreed with NBA voters. He took it personal
When Charles Barkley was named MVP of the 1993 NBA season, it marked a significant achievement in his career. However, this accolade also meant that Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, who had already won back-to-back championships, had to relinquish the MVP title for that year.
Barkley had joined the Phoenix Suns in a major trade in the summer of 1992, leading them to the best record in the NBA (62-20) and earning recognition for his outstanding performance.
“The MVP always goes to the guy who had the best regular season,” Barkley said. “I had the best regular season. We had the best record in the NBA. Obviously, Michael was a better player than me. But that year, during the regular season, I played better than he did.”
Barkley’s assertion was accurate, but Jordan’s response was swift and decisive. “I didn’t get the MVP that year,” Jordan remarked. “They gave it to Charles Barkley. With that said, ‘OK, fine. You can have that. I’m gonna get this.'”
Jordan’s Legendary Finals Performance
In the 1993 NBA Finals, Jordan delivered an unforgettable performance, averaging 41 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Barkley also shone, averaging 27.3 points, 13 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, and even scoring 42 points in Game 2. Despite Barkley’s efforts, the Bulls took a 2-0 lead after winning Game 1 on the road and returned to Chicago with a commanding position.
Reflecting on the Finals, Barkley expressed lingering regret. “I never got over the pain,” he said. “I never got over the pain, still to this day. I should have been more aggressive. I should have played better in Game 1.”
Barkley also praised the 1991-93 Bulls, believing they were superior to the later three-peat teams of 1996-98. “I thought the team with Horace Grant was better than the team that won a three-peat later,” he explained. “Michael, obviously he’s the greatest ever — we all agree on that. But I thought Horace Grant was a better player than Dennis Rodman, all around.”
The Aftermath and Legacy
Despite his MVP award, Barkley couldn’t stop Jordan and the Bulls from winning their third consecutive championship. Years later, Barkley transitioned to a successful career as an NBA analyst, while Jordan struggled as an NBA owner but achieved billionaire status, becoming the first athlete to join the Forbes 400 with a net worth of $3 billion.
Their once-strong friendship eventually deteriorated. “That would be on his end,” Barkley said. “He was my best friend at the time. I love the guy and I miss the guy. But I got to do my job. We haven’t spoken … and that was close to 10 years ago.”
As the 2024 NBA Finals approach, featuring the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, the echoes of past rivalries and legendary performances continue to resonate.
