Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Charles Barkley Uses James Harden Comparison To Say Michael Jordan Can’t Be Compared To Current NBA Stars: “You Know How Many Free Throws Michael Jordan Would Shoot Today?”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Charles Barkley Uses James Harden Comparison To Say Michael Jordan Can’t Be Compared To Current NBA Stars: “You Know How Many Free Throws Michael Jordan Would Shoot Today?”

Charles Barkley Uses James Harden Comparison To Say Michael Jordan Can’t Be Compared To Current NBA Stars: “You Know How Many Free Throws Michael Jordan Would Shoot Today?”

Divij Kulkarni
Jul 26, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

One of the things that NBA fans and media members like doing more than anything else is comparing legends across eras. Just recently, analyst Nick Wright came into the firing line for putting Michael Jordan third on his list of the Top 50 players of the last 50 years. Conversations like this are routine for the NBA fandom, although most would agree that MJ is the greatest basketball player to have ever played in the league.

There are those, though, especially younger fans, who like to make LeBron James’ case as the GOAT, suggesting that the NBA is much more talented today than it was back then. While sports science and things of that nature have improved to make athletes better than ever before, there were things in Jordan’s era that someone from today’s NBA would have struggled to deal with. 

Physicality is something that people often talk about. Players could get away with a lot more back in the day than they can today. And Charles Barkley, a rival of MJ’s throughout his career, has pointed out an aspect of today’s game using James Harden that might have made MJ’s amazing stats even more impressive. 

(starts at 4:45 minutes):

“You know how many free throws Michael Jordan would shoot today?” Barkley asked. “James Harden is a great player. He shoots 12 a game. But you just can’t compare eras because of the physicality.”

Harden is known for his ability to draw contact and earn trips to the line. This is something he has been elite at since his days with the Houston Rockets. Considering how tough to guard Michael Jordan was and how the ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons dealt with his talent, he would have averaged a record number of free throws with today’s rules. 

Ultimately, what cannot be disputed is the greatness of the athletes of that generation displayed at a time when the league was different from it is now. The brilliance of today’s stars is not diminished by it and the sooner fans stop comparing across eras, the better it will be for everyone. 

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Charles BarkleyJames HardenMichael Jordan
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByDivij Kulkarni
Follow:
Divij Kulkarni is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He has covered the NBA and the English Premier League, with 4 years of experience in creating sports content. Finding exciting and intriguing content about all things NBA is both his job and his passion. Divij loves the Dallas Mavericks and can be regularly observed getting emotional during games. Outside of basketball, he enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, consuming copious amounts of movies and TV, and spending time with his dog, Olivia. Expertise: NBA, Historical Sports ResearchFavorite Team: Dallas MavericksFeatured On HoopsHype, Sports Illustrated, Secret Base, MSNPrevious Work: Tribuna
Previous Article Scottie Pippen Almost Had To Pay $4 Million For Spitting On A Fan, But He Won The Case Instead
Next Article NBA Fans React To Juancho Hernangomez Signing A One-Year Deal With The Toronto Raptors: “Cruz Missile Got A Deal”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) high fives head coach JJ Redick during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Provides Update On Luka Doncic After He Gets Ruled Out For Lakers’ First 2 Preseason Games

October 3, 2025
Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Reveals He Has “Unfinished Business” With Phoenix Suns

October 3, 2025
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

New Return Date For Jayson Tatum Could Put Celtics Back In Championship Picture

October 3, 2025
Warriors star Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Stephen Curry Says Jimmy Butler Gives Warriors “Legitimate Shot” At 2026 Title

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?