The NBA produced some of its most iconic superstars in the 1980s and 1990s, with the rivalries from that era being remembered fondly even today.
The ‘Bad Boy’ Detroit Pistons are well-remembered for their dominance in the late-’80s, winning 2 championships. Their physical play style is what they’re remembered for but Charles Barkley hated something else about them entirely.
(8:10) “The only thing I hated about the Bad Boys. I don’t mind physical intimidation, that’s part of the game. One thing that sucked about the Bad Boys, only 2 of them can fight. Isiah and Joe Dumars. Bill Laimbeer always got to fight, but he was always getting hit. I know Mahorn can’t fight, I know Dennis can’t fight. John Salley, maybe, but he’s more of a lover than a fighter. James Edwards can fight but the only tough guys on the team were the guards.”
Barkley played in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia 76ers during the Pistons’ era of dominance. He is regarded as one of the toughest players in league history, so Sir Charles probably didn’t mind mixing it up with the Pistons. He did once punch Bill Laimbeer and clearly only looked at the backcourt of Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars as actual fighters from that team.
Charles Barkley Was An Unstoppable Force On The Court
The Bad Boy Pistons wouldn’t strike fear in the hearts of the superstars around the league. Despite devising the ‘Jordan Rules‘ to stop Michael Jordan from beating them, stars of that caliber didn’t fear Detroit but wanted to send a message. Barkley was one of them, averaging 21.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists against Detroit during his time with Philadelphia.
Barkley would achieve greater success after being traded to the Phoenix Suns. He would win an MVP and make it to the NBA Finals, though he never became a champion in his career. He would go on to play for the Houston Rockets alongside Hakeem Olajuwon before retiring as a Hall of Famer.
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