“Nobody told Michael Jordan after 4 or 5 years ‘you got to get out of here, you’re not going to win a championship’” - Charles Barkley on the individual NBA culture affecting LeBron and KD
Charles Barkley is among the greatest players in NBA history, even though his lack of championship success is a talking point against the Hall of Famer. And while Barkley is not bothered by how his career went, he is disturbed by the NBA's culture.
Sir Charles had a stellar career that saw him become one of the most prominent superstars in the Phoenix Suns' history. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show recently, Barkley expressed satisfaction with his career and the man he became.
"I like my career," Barkley said. "I know I didn't win the championship, and I like being myself."
That said, Charles Barkley is not happy with the NBA's culture.
As the league has progressed, there has emerged a much stronger focus on individual success rather than the team's success. Barkley believes that the change is detrimental to the league, and he stated:
"I'm not sure how it got to the point where it became an individual thing instead of a team thing.
"Unfortunately, a couple of people on television started this probably, and it actually been for the detriment of the NBA because nobody told Michael Jordan after four or five years, 'you got to get out of here; you're not going to win a championship.'"
While stars of the past likely had people encourage them to leave to win a championship, the noise is much louder today. Social media and the variety of television networks mean current stars are bombarded with opinions.
Barkley believes that the detrimental culture of NBA individualism has impacted the top stars of the NBA.
Charles Barkley on how the NBA's culture has impacted LeBron James and Kevin Durant
LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been two of the NBA's top superstars over the last decade. They have felt the culture that Charles Barkley dislikes. Sir Charles believes that the craziness of the culture affected their decisions, stating:
"Things started getting crazy with LeBron. He started listening to all the rumors about 'Man you got to win to be successful,' then he went to Miami. Then it happened next with KD."
LeBron James' inability to overcome the top teams led to his move.
12 YEARS AGO TODAY
The Celtics upset the 61-win Cavs by eliminating them in 6 games despite 27 PTS, 19 REB, 10 AST from MVP LeBron James.
LeBron signed with the Miami Heat 2 months later. https://t.co/RIWzPP6YXk
Many feel Kevin Durant joined a super team for the same reason. While they both made moves to chase championships, Barkley is happy with his career, stating:
"It started back then, but I'm pretty happy with my life. I wish I could have won a championship for these people here in Phoenix, but I don't I'm good with my success in my career."
Winning a championship with the Phoenix Suns would have elevated Barkley to new heights, but he is still one of the all-time greats.