Charles Barkley, a legendary 76er, believes LeBron James still has time to supplant Michael Jordan as basketball’s GOAT.
Barkley — who recently repaired his relationship with Jordan — has believed the Bulls icon has been the greatest of all time. But he now believes James has one final opportunity to change that conversation, but it will take a lot.
Barkley told Stephen A. Smith on Friday that if the 76ers win two titles in James’ two years in Philadelphia — that’s if he opts in to the second — after agreeing to a contract Friday, it would solidify his GOAT case.
“If he wins back-to-back championships and walks away this thing at 44, 45. I’ll say something I ain’t never said before. This dude, I think I just saw the greatest basketball player ever,” Barkley told Smith.
Though Barkley did mention that James has provided himself advantages with “stacking the deck” throughout his career when joining talented teams.
“The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, ‘Yo, man, you always stacking your team,’” Barkley said. “He stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he’s stacking it in Philly. So that to me, I’m going to still have the same criticism I’ve always had.”
The comments came just hours after James officially announced he was signing with the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract, calling it the final decision of his Hall of Fame career.
Rather than retire after 23 NBA seasons, the four-time MVP chose one last championship pursuit with a franchise that has not won a title since 1983.
For Barkley, the significance goes beyond simply winning another ring.
James already owns four championships with three different organizations, capturing titles with the Heat, Cavaliers and Lakers, and winning a title with the 76ers would only add to his Hall of Fame resume.
Philadelphia has assembled one of the NBA’s most talented rosters during a blockbuster offseason.
The franchise first stunned the league by acquiring four-time All-Star Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, pairing one of basketball’s premier two-way wings with former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Guard V.J. Edgecombe also gives Philly another high-upside piece as the organization pushes all-in for a championship, fresh off Rookie of the Year contention.
