Charles Barkley established a phenomenal presence in the NBA for 16 years of his iconic career. The 11-time NBA All-Star who began his career in 1984 with the Philadelphia 76ers, was widely known as one of the league’s stars in his prime. Barkley nicknamed “The Round Mound of Rebound” made significant headlines in his era which were all attributed to his prowess.
Revisiting the NBA finals of 1993 which Barkley’s Suns faced Jordan’s Bulls, he revealed that before the showdown he had come up with a bold prophecy regarding the game’s outcome.
Barkley’s belief in destiny against the Bulls
In a warm-up for the iconic 1993 NBA finals matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Michael Jordan’s led Chicago Bulls, Charles Barkley’s Suns had gained much momentum after winning Game 5 to extend their series journey. It was then that Barkley went forth to make a bold prophecy regarding the game’s result. The legend disclosed to reporters that God desired their victory over the Bulls.
Barkley said, “I believe it is our destiny to win the world championship. I have believed that for the last year, and I believe in my heart that we’re going to win the world championship, and I told you that I don’t care about being down 3-1.”
“God wants us to win the world championship. I talked to him the other night. I’m telling you, it’s destiny. I don’t care what anybody says. We believe that it’s our destiny to win a world championship this year.”, he said as per a report by Ahmad Rashad after Game 5.
During the series, Barkley dazzled with 27.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the 6 games. Though Barkley believed that the accumulated team’s momentum, his potential, and his prophesied help from God could land them the victory, Michael Jordan’s Bulls managed to clinch the title after a six-game series, therefore putting Charles Barkley’s prophecy in jeopardy.
Has Charles Barkley ever won an NBA championship?
Charles Barkley after his retirement in 2000 has been active as a studio analyst for TNT. He had spent 16 NBA seasons playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Houston Rockets. Barkley was notable in the league, thanks to his great skills. However, despite his blissful NBA career that earned several All-Star selections, he was unfortunate not to win a single NBA championship.
Barkley could have won his only NBA championship in 1993 but lost the finals to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Barkley after the finals, only played in 24 playoff games which was his highest in the league, as he never played more than 16 games. Charles Barkley, till his retirement never returned to the NBA finals. Ironically enough, despite all his achievements, Barkley once remained unrecognized by a member of the White House.
With or without the championship Charles Barkley was still among the best players in the league and remains a legend of the sport after retirement. What are your thoughts about Charles Barkley’s failed prophecy? Share it in the comment box.
