“You think they would be overwhelmed or intimidated” – Barkley explained why the Warriors wouldn’t stand a chance against Jordan’s Bulls originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The Golden State Warriors‘ unmatched dominance in the late 2010s led many to compare them to the 1990s Chicago Bulls. However, when it came to Charles Barkley, he was clear about his preference for Michael Jordan and his team, alluding to today’s lenient officiating.
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Both the Warriors and Bulls accounted for some legendary championship runs. The comparisons became increasingly prevalent during the 2015-16 season, with the former chasing the elusive 72-10 record and Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP season.
In a March 2016 interview with Barkley, he talked about how the Bulls would have dominated the Warriors. Chuck’s stance was largely based on the lack of physicality factor associated with today’s game. He pointed out how Jordan averaged 30 points in a hand-checking era.
“People acted like I said there’s not a God. Think about this: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, three of the most athletic players in the history of basketball,” he started. “You think they would be overwhelmed or intimidated by that little Warriors team?”Â
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“If you want to be fair and not live in the moment, can you imagine Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, three of the most athletic guys to play in the NBA, running up and down the court against the Warriors?” added Barkley.
Two unforgettable teams
Regarding dynasties in the NBA, the Warriors and Bulls are some of the top names that come to most minds. Though the two iconic stretches occurred in different decades, they continue to draw parallels. This is primarily based on the matchups and the nature of the game.
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The Warriors still hold the status of the last NBA dynasty. Shaking the league’s balance, the Dubs changed the basketball landscape. Revolutinalizing the 3-point game with the Splash Brothers. Between 2015 and 2022, they made it to six Finals, winning four of them.
On the other hand, the Bulls helped the NBA attain global attraction, courtesy of Air Jordan. They have never lost in the Finals and have two 3-peats to their credit. They are synonymous with dominance in sport.
Different eras and different styles
There’s no denying the NBA isn’t as physical as it was during the 1980s and 90s. But while toughness has taken a step back, the overall skill level in the league has never been higher. Today, even role players are expected to be versatile and great shooters.
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Jordan’s scoring ability still stands in a league of its own, while Curry changed the game with his shooting. Rodman made his mark through defense and rebounding, proving you didn’t need to score to dominate. On the Warriors’ side, Green brought elite playmaking and defensive leadership that anchored a modern dynasty.
These kinds of comparisons always make for fun debates, but they rarely offer real answers. At some point, it becomes less about picking a winner and more about recognizing greatness on both sides. The Bulls and the Warriors shaped the game in completely different ways, and both deserve their place in NBA history.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.