Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan have been friends since they matched up in the 1993 NBA Finals. Currently, things are not so smooth and complicated.
“I miss Michael. I love Michael. I wish him nothing but the best. He’s the greatest basketball player ever. But obviously he didn’t take kindly to some things I said about his management skills. And that’s unfortunate. That’s unfortunate.”
Barkley is recognized as the leading voice of everything NBA, despite this, it’s hard to separate friendship from a job for MJ. Let’s be honest, Michael Jordan is competitive at checkers and criticism coming from a close friend –even if it’s warranted– is likely not welcome in his eyes. Chuck joined David Aldridge of The Athletic on the “Hoops, Adjacent” podcast and spoke on his relationship with the GOAT and how stating the obvious about Jordan’s track record in the front office led to some feelings being hurt.
Flip the page for Barkley’s full thoughts.