The NBA MVP has always been a topic of extreme scrutiny. With different opinions comes different criteria for winning the prestigious award. Charles Barkley, the winner of the 1993 NBA MVP award, also has his views on it, which he candidly discussed just like he does about all things related to basketball.
On a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the former Sixers forward revealed his distaste for the MVP selection process. “The MVP has never went to the best player. Never. It goes to the best player on the best team,” said Chuck. He further added, “Because nobody in their right mind thinks Steve Nash is better than Shaq and Kobe [Bryant].”
On the flip side, Sir Charles also praised some instances where he believed the deserving candidate won the award. In 2011, Derrick Rose won the NBA MVP over LeBron James and, to Barkley, that was fair because of the Bulls’ 62-20 record. He also discussed the candidates for this season and delivered his verdict on the 2024 NBA MVP race.
Charles Barkley Predicts Closest MVP Race Ever
This year’s NBA MVP race was one for the ages. After the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid was deemed ineligible due to his injury and the 65-game rule, Nikola Jokic remained in the pole position to earn a third MVP award. Luka Doncic and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander are also in the mix. But according to Charles Barkley, Jalen Brunson is the one he backs for the Michael Jordan trophy.
“What Brunson did this year for the Knicks was incredible, to get them to the second seed without Robinson being out for most of the year, without Randle [out] most of the year, OG [Anunoby] was out for a period of time,” said Barkley.
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He added that his and Magic Johnson’s race in the 1990 NBA MVP race was close, but this year will be the closest one ever. With Jokic and SGA tied with a 57-25 record this season, it will indeed be a close one, just as Charles Barkley predicted.
Also Read: Charles Barkley Tells LeBron James to “Put Ego Aside and Retire”
