The Golden State Warriors are on track to become only the second team in NBA history to lose 10 games or fewer, but TNT analyst Charles Barkley believes the first club to accomplish that would destroy the Dubs.
While appearing on ESPN Radio, Barkley suggested Golden State wouldn’t have enough talent to defend the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
“That Bulls team would kill this little team. Come on, man. Who is going to guard Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan? What about Dennis Rodman?”
Barkley said since the NBA allows less physicality nowadays, Jordan would basically have unlimited scoring potential.
“[Jordan, Pippen and Barkley] would love playing the way the Warriors play. It’s a much easier game now. Could you imagine how many points Michael would average if you couldn’t touch him? Dennis would get so many rebounds against that team. They are a very small team.”
That’s certainly an intriguing thought, especially because the “superstar call” is so prevalent in today’s era of the NBA. Jordan would constantly go to the free-throw line.
However, the comparison is a disservice to what the Warriors have accomplished. Does it really matter if the Jordan-led Bulls would beat Golden State, or vice versa?
That Chicago team is considered one of the greatest squads ever, particularly because it finished the year with 72 wins and a victory in the NBA Finals. There’s no denying the 95-96 Bulls are a standard of excellence.
Nevertheless, Golden State is off to a tremendous start. Stephen Curry and Co. have opened the 2015-16 campaign 25-1 while defending a title. The Warriors have improved since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy last season.
But can’t we allow both teams to be great?
Instead of deciding which legendary (or potentially great team) is better, let’s enjoy watching Golden State attempt to break a historical mark.