Charles Barkley is exactly what his reputation says: unfiltered and larger than life. At one point during an interview with Golf Digest, the former MVP of the NBA and now the quite celebrated NBA analyst shared his views on life, and it was clear that he had a lot of passion and a few preferences.
The seven-day-a-week golfer proclaimed football his favorite sport, but what garnered much attention were his points about basketball recently about the Mount Rushmore of NBA.
Barkley's Mount Rushmore: A Salute to Legends of the Past
When questioned about his Mount Rushmore of NBA legends, Barkley chose Boston Celtics legends Larry Bird and Bill Russell, Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan, and Los Angeles Lakers spectacular Magic Johnson.
All of those are emblematic of a basketball that was more rugged and team-focused during a time known as the golden years of this sport.
But notably missing from his list was LeBron James—today's Lakers star and the all-time leading scorer of the NBA. The snub immediately stirred a firestorm of controversy, as LeBron towers high in modern basketball lore.
Why Barkley Picked Yesterday's Heroes Over Today's Stars
Barkley has many times expressed how much he doesn't like what is happening currently in the game of the NBA, bemoaning what he believes is excessive reliance on shooting three-pointers and a less physical game.
"The biggest part of this game is the fans," he said during his interview, suggesting perhaps that today's game mightn't connect the same way those eras with his chosen legends did.
LeBron James: A Legacy That Can't Be Ignored
Even with a snub by Barkley, it is obvious that LeBron James has made a permanent mark in the NBA. With four championships, multiple MVPs, and a scoring record that was considered impossible to beat, LeBron's career speaks for consistency, adaptability, and unparalleled skill.
With Barkley's list more of nostalgia, the modern game, led by players like LeBron, has been more dynamic and fast-paced and has been opening up more space for basketball across the world.
The Ever-Evolving GOAT Debate
Barkley's Mount Rushmore isn't just a list; it's a reflection of his perspective on what defines greatness in basketball. While some fans appreciate his focus on the sport's pioneers and team-first mentality, others argue that omitting LeBron highlights an unwillingness to embrace the evolution of the game.
Ultimately, the NBA's history is rich with legends who defined their eras, and Barkley's picks offer a nostalgic glance into basketball's illustrious past.
In other news, Basketball Network reports that Barkley reflected on his delayed retirement due to the new NBA TV deal.
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