Few players in NBA history carried the mystique that Michael Jordan possessed.
Even as fans debate LeBron James’ greatness, that Jordan aura remains untouchable.
But once upon a time, there was a player who believed he was better than Jordan before their Finals showdown.
That player was Charles Barkley. In a recent appearance on Dan Patrick’s podcast, the Phoenix Suns legend looked back on his playing days with refreshing honesty.
He admitted that eventually, there came a moment of clarity when he realized Jordan was the superior player.
“My daughter was upset, crying, we lost the first two games. 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,’” Barkley said initially, later adding, “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.”
“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.”
– Charles Barkley on Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/VLIlkr8lG8
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 11, 2025
Before the 1992–93 season even tipped off, Barkley had his sights set on meeting the Chicago Bulls in the Finals.
After landing in Phoenix, he carried a massive chip on his shoulder, convinced he was the best player in the league.
Chuck Daly had disagreed, pointing to Jordan as the top dog. Barkley made it personal. When June rolled around, just as he’d envisioned, it was Phoenix versus Chicago for the title.
Barkley, fresh off an MVP season, led a Phoenix Suns squad that had outpaced the Bulls in the regular season by five wins.
But all that swagger took a hit once the series began. Losing the first two games at home rattled Phoenix, and with it, Barkley’s confidence.
The Suns battled back to push it to six games, but Jordan and the Bulls completed the three-peat. That reality check humbled one of the league’s most confident stars.
