Charles Barkley was one of the most dominant players i've ever seen. I always thought that if he took the game more seriously, and took exercise more seriously he could have been the greatest player of his generation. He had more physical gifts than Jordan, but Jordan had this killer instinct and desire to win that came from him being an insecure fellow. Character flaws can drive people to great heights and Jordan is a great Example of it.
But since both of their retirements look at How Barkley has become this Pop Culture icon and Jordan has kind of just disappeared from public life. Barkley has been on SNL 4 times, and is beloved by the cast members. One more time and he will be in the 5 timers club. He has campaigned against Roy Moore, he has interviewed obama, had a show on TNT about Race relations in America, Inducted Jerry Sloan, Reggie Miller into the hall of fame. Did commentary for the Wood Michelson golf match. Barkley is probably the most universally loved sports figure by athletes. Jordan Always identified himself as a basketball player and now that basketball is over for him he has nothing to really exist for. Barkley on the other hand has identified himself with just being Charles Barkley, and he is an awesome at it. Barkley is a special guy and there are hundred of stories like this one about him. When you think about how popular he is as an athlete who has been out of the game for so long it is quite remarkable.