Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, Charles Barkley Beef?

By Marcus Bass | Sep 23, 2014

Aug 18, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin at fan fest at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Posted smack dab on the cover of this month’s GQ magazine is Los Angeles Clippers superstar forward Blake Griffin. Huge on potential and high on controversy, Griffin still remains one of the biggest attractions in the NBA. Oftentimes he’s the most hated as well. When asked about the constant criticism he receives from NBA Hall of Fame power forward and TNT analyst Charles Barkley, Griffin had the following to say:

"“As a kid, I was a huge fan. And then, after so many times of hearing somebody say something negative about you, then it’s like, okay, this is like a thing — it’s a personal thing. You know what I mean? It’s like the saying ‘Don’t meet your heroes.’ I haven’t met him, but I don’t really need to anymore. Which is unfortunate.”"

It might seem that some retired players have a bone to pick with modern stars that currently hoop in their old positions. Shaquille O’Neal (along with the rest of Los Angeles) pretty much hates Dwight Howard and Charles Barkley seems to have an obvious distaste for Griffin.

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From a technical aspect many of Barkley’s criticisms are spot on but well known, they’re not really news. The fact that Griffin needs to develop more go-to post moves, a consistent mid-range jumper and a greater embrace of the game’s physicality are common criticisms you can find on Twitter. From a retired Hall of Fame player and basketball analyst, you’d expect more, however with Barkley nine times out of 10 it’s not there.

Whether the player formerly known as the “Round Mound of Rebound” is talking about how he would’ve dominated Griffin in his day or spends time on the NBA on TNT desk questioning his toughness, there’s definitely distaste for Griffin’s game. Much of which has to do with Griffin and Barkley playing the same position.

Retired players have the tendency to compare themselves to their more modern versions, debating as to whether they could dominate that particular player or make more of a contribution given the opportunity in their prime.

For an undersized power forward, Barkley had a level of tenacity and physicality that was unmatched. It was Barkley’s best strength and Griffin’s greatest weakness. In his fourth year in the league, Barkley had considerably better numbers than Griffin.

At the end of his fourth season, Barkley averaged 28.3 points and 11.9 rebounds. Compared to Griffin’s 24.1 points and 9.5 rebounds, it’s clear Griffin could benefit from studying in the school of brute force Barkley made popular in his playing days.

It’s tough to compare their career numbers as Barkley played a few years past the point of retirement. However when Sir Charles hung up his jersey he finished with one regular season MVP and five All-NBA first team selections. His impressive career on the hardwood delivered him numerous personal awards and accolades; however, when it came to hardware Barkley was always the runner-up, never the prom king.

As the Clippers are stacked this season and built for title contention, the one thing Griffin can do to silence Barkley is to win a ring. With all of last year’s distractions in their rear view, the Clippers are expected to finish further than they have in franchise history.

Should that wind up in confetti rain and shiny gold glowing trophies, Griffin will always have the one-up on Barkley. At such a young age with a dedicated and passionate owner, first grade coach and multiple phenomenal teammates, it’s possible Griffin will have the last laugh. It’s just a matter of time until Griffin can chuckle in Chuck’s face.

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