Even though the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns clashed in the NBA Finals with them as the biggest stars in the game, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were actually best friends at some point.
They became close during the Dream Team days, and their friendship outlasted their NBA careers, with them often partying and playing golf together.
Nonetheless, it’s been years since Barkley and Jordan talked to each other.
Barkley has often discussed the subject, stating that Jordan doesn’t want to talk to him anymore because of his criticism of his job as an owner/GM.
Now, in a recent appearance on ‘All The Smoke,’ Barkley explained that — as much as he’d love to be friends with Jordan again — he won’t apologize to him for doing his job:
“That would be on his end, Matt,” Barkley said. “He was my best friend at the time, and I love the guy, and I miss the guy. But you know; I gotta do my job.”
Charles Barkley gets real on why Michael Jordan no longer talks to him. Full episode drops tomorrow. #AlltheSmoke 💨 pic.twitter.com/pCerIDBTAV
— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) February 1, 2023
Barkley has a fair point right there.
He cannot look the other way just because of his friendship with Jordan, and he must criticize him the same way he does with the owners and GMs of the other 29 teams.
Also, Jordan has drawn plenty of league-wide criticism for his decision-making in charge of the Charlotte Hornets, a team that has spent more time thinking about the NBA Draft Lottery than the playoffs.
Chuck also believes Jordan should surround himself with fewer ‘Yes men’ and start hiring people who won’t hesitate to challenge him and let him know when he’s making a wrong decision.
And, to me, that sounds like something a true friend would want for you.
Hopefully, they’ll bury the hatchet one day.
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