Shaquille O’Neal, and Charles Barkley (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal have one of the most entertaining ratios. After their retirement, the two NBA stalwarts became best friends. However, that does not stop them from pulling each other’s legs at every opportunity. Likewise, in a recent interaction, Barkley mentioned that he was a better “pure basketball player” than Shaquille O’Neal.

Appearing on ‘The Steam Room’ podcast on NBA on TNT, Barkley was asked who would be a better NBA prospect. However, there was a catch. Only if both athletes were 6 feet tall. Hearing the condition, Barkley did not hesitate to point out that he would be the best.

“No question, I’m a better player… But just as a pure basketball player, I’m a much better basketball player,” Barkley stated. “… I’ve never played against Wilt Chamberlain, but I’ve never played against a player more physically imposing than Shaq,” said Barkley.

However, he also had words of praise reserved for the big man. Regarding his physical impact, Barkley mentioned that Big Aristotle has one of the most physically daunting statures ever. However, hearing Barkley put himself ahead of Shaq must not please the Lakers’ legend. And it might not be long before Big Diesel will hit back with his take. Meanwhile, this was not the only moment when the two had pulled jokes on each other.

Charles Barkley Chooses Gary Bettman over Shaquille O’Neal

Charles Barkley recently had yet another hilarious admission about his excellent friend Shaq. Appearing on an episode of NBA on TNT, Barkley was asked by the host who was a better friend, Shaquille O’Neal, or the NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman. Once again, ‘Sir Charles’ looked specific about who his dearest friend was.

“Gary Bettman gets me seats. If you go be with Shaq you gotta smoke hookah and I don’t smoke hookah. Gary Bettman always takes care of me,” said Barkley as the entire studio burst out laughing. Thus, sharing a close bond with the Lakers’ legends Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal remains a true testament to the brotherly relationship that brewed amidst the cutthroat competition in the NBA.