Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, two NBA legends who entered the league together in the 1984 Draft, were once close friends. However, their friendship has been strained in recent years. In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, Barkley revealed that the rift between them began when he voiced his honest opinion about Jordan’s management of the Charlotte Hornets.
“Michael disagreed with something I said, and he ended our friendship,” Barkley told 60 Minutes’ Jon Wertheim.
“I believe that he lacks people around him who will be honest and tell him ‘no,'” Barkley added. “My criticism offended him, and as a result, we haven’t spoken since. But, Jon, I have a job to do. I cannot criticize others without criticizing my best friend who is in the same position.”
In 2006, Jordan became a minority owner of the Hornets, then known as the Bobcats. He later became the majority owner in 2010 after purchasing the team for $275 million.
Under Jordan’s ownership, the Hornets have not achieved significant success. Since 2010, they have only made the playoffs twice. Barkley didn’t mince words when expressing his assessment of the franchise’s performance, even though it potentially strained his relationship with Jordan.
Earlier this year, Jordan sold the majority stake in the team to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, who had been a minority stakeholder since 2019. The sale valued the franchise at $3 billion, resulting in a considerable payday for Jordan. However, he retained a minority stake in the team.
Despite being retired from basketball, Barkley remains popular as a basketball analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA and CBS Sports’ March Madness. Although Barkley and Jordan were once best friends, their strong personalities make it uncertain when they will reconcile. Despite their shared history, Barkley acknowledged that he also has an ego.
“Being great at something doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk,” Barkley emphasized.
At some point, one of them will have to make the first move and initiate a conversation. However, for now, Barkley is not ready to take that step.
“He knows how to reach me. He has my number,” Barkley assured.
If you wish to watch the full ’60 Minutes’ interview, it is provided below:
