Charles Barkley Knew Michael Jordan Was Great When He Saw Him at 1984 Olympic Trials

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, selected third and fifth overall, respectively, joined the league with the 1984 draft class. But before they were in the NBA, they were competing to be the best player in the nation. During the 1984 Olympic trials, Charles Barkley admitted on The Mark Jackson Show that he knew Michael Jackson was superior to him.

For the trials of the USA squad that will compete in the ’84 LA games, 120 of the top collegiate athletes from throughout the nation were brought in. It was Barkley vs. Jordan for the top place in the talent pool consisting of future Hall of Famers.

When the Chuckster reached the final round of the trials, his coach told him that John Thompson wanted to see him.

Chuck remembered being informed: “Charles was the second-best player at the Olympic trials, he should’ve made the team. Bobby Knight [then USA Coach] did not like him, he never gave us a reason. He just didn’t like Charles, but I just wanted Charles to know, Charles, you were amazing,”

Charles Barkley talks about watching a young Michael Jordan

Barkley received so great recognition at such a young age. Barkley was the best player in the tryouts, according to his coach, who went one step further. But the Chuckster refused to acknowledge that he was deserving of the title of greatest player in the world.

He said to his coach: “Coach, I’m not the best. There’s this crazy a** dude from North Carolina. He’s kicking you’re a** and telling you he’s kicking you’re a** and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Barkley went on to say that Jordan had superior speed and mental toughness. It was quite challenging to defeat him on the court because of this. During their time in the NBA, Barkley and Jordan engaged in many epic confrontations and went on to have careers that were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Chuck attempted to compete with MJ for the title of best player, but the Bulls legend outperformed him.

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