Charles Barkley strongly criticizes the current state of the Chicago Bulls

"The Bulls are an embarrassment to the NBA."

© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls have definitely had an underwhelming start to their season, going 5-14 in their first 19 games. In their past 7 games, the Bulls have doubled their win total to 10, going 5-2 since November 30. In the absence of Zach Lavine, the Bulls look like an entirely different team, despite what Charles Barkley had to say.

What caused Chuck to talk down on Chicago?

The conversation was prompted by Chuck threatening to roast the Lakers if they hung up an In-Season Championship banner, at which point Patrick mentioned the Bulls having a Ring of Honor coming up on January 12 next year. Charles was brief and direct in his response.

“First of all, the Bulls are an embarrassment to the NBA,” Barkley said. “I have zero idea what they’re doing. They should’ve had a clearance sale 3 years ago. Dude, y’all stink, y’all stink, y’all stink.”

The topic shifted briefly from the Ring of Honor to the current state of the Chicago Bulls, which in fairness to Barkley, have underperformed the past few seasons given the caliber of players on the roster. Since their blockbuster trade with the Magic for Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls are 102-105. With Zach Lavine, the Bulls are 151-216. The only star player who has brought a positive record to the Bulls is Demar Derozan, with whom the Bulls are 89-85, barely over .500.

“I’m trying to figure out when they’re gonna start their rebuild,” Barkley continued.

With the poor start to the season, many fans and analysts suspected that the Bulls would be big sellers this season. However, their recent run of form has caused Bulls management to reconsider. The Zach Lavine rumors especially have pushed this narrative, but Chicago seems to think otherwise.

The Chicago Bulls are looking for win-now players on the trade market, per @mikeascotto

“They’re looking for players that can help them win now and maybe a pick down the line if they can add to their cupboard.”

(Via https://t.co/CoL8ywbb3d) pic.twitter.com/564tZ0EglW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2023

Barkley's criticism of the Ring of Honor

Chuck’s referring to the Bulls as an embarrassment was two-fold. Not only did he refer to their lack of success in the past few seasons, but he also criticized the delay of the Bulls having a Ring of Honor.

“Were they waiting on Michael and the guys to die before they come up with the Ring of Honor,” Barkley continued.

Barkley was referring to beef between Jordan and Pippen in the aftermath of The Last Dance docuseries. Pippen claimed that not enough praise was given to the teammates during the series and believed they were unproportionately misrepresented in the show.

“They’re not gonna do that on the same night,” Barkley said, referring to MJ and Pippen being together. “I guarantee it.”

Barkley believed the Bulls waited too long in their Ring of Honor, given the fact Michael Jordan already had a statue outside the United Center, especially now that there is animosity between some of the players of the legendary 72-10 Bulls. However, Barkley also mentioned the Bulls' current state as being an embarrassment as well. Since the meaning was two-fold, it might be the time for a change in Chicago.

Chicago Bulls to honor Michael Jordan and other greats in new Ring of Honor