Charles Barkley on how he lost his best friend Michael Jordan: "We're both stubborn and we haven't talked" originally appeared on Basketball Network .
It has been over ten years since Charles Barkley last spoke to his fellow NBA legend and old pal, Michael Jordan. Reflecting on their past, Barkley reminisced about their friendship, stating that they were once the closest of friends. He admitted that it's disheartening for him to acknowledge that their relationship is no longer what it once was.
In a heartfelt revelation, Barkley candidly discussed how he and Jordan's differences as prominent figures in the sport ultimately led to the deterioration of their friendship. He pointed out that, unlike MJ , he has always been very open to criticism and has actively chosen to bring individuals who provide honest feedback rather than so-called "yes men" into his circle.
Barkley also attributed his long-standing conflict with Jordan when he shared his unsolicited thoughts on how Jordan handles his fame. Unfortunately, Chuck's opinion, though genuine, did not sit well with His Airness.
"I think probably, me and Michael [Jordan] were best friends, that's probably the most prominent thing. Michael Jordan, losing his friendship was probably the most prominent thing that's happened to me," Barkley confided on Tom Brady's SiriusXM podcast "Let's Go!" with Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray.
"But I was being honest about what I thought. I said, 'Listen, the toughest thing about Michael, he's got to put better people around him.' Because the toughest thing, when you're famous, they're on your private jet, you're buying all the drinks, you're buying all the dinners. Very few people are gonna be honest with you," he pointed out.
"I try to surround myself with people like, 'Hey, if I'm screwing up, please tell me.' And Michael got offended about something I said about him," he further explained. "And we haven't spoken in probably almost 10 years. And he was my best friend at the time. And I love the dude like a brother and we're both stubborn and we haven't talked," Barkley sadly reminisced.
The specific moment that signaled the end of Barkley and MJ's friendship took place during a revealing interview in 2012. In this conversation, Barkley didn't hold back as he openly criticized Jordan's management abilities.
His remarks were grounded in the disappointing performance of Jordan's team, the Charlotte Bobcats , which had been struggling significantly at the time. Barkley further speculated that it might be wise for Mike to consider hiring people who possess the courage to speak up and point out when he is already making mistakes.
"I think the biggest problem has been I don't know if he has hired enough people around him who he will listen to," the former Phoenix Suns superstar said in an interview with "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "One thing about being famous is the people around you, you pay all their bills so they very rarely disagree with you because they want you to pick up the check."
"They want to fly around on your private jet, so they never disagree with you," Barkley reiterated. "I don't think Michael has hired enough people around him who will disagree."
Barkley is fully aware that the path to reconciliation with Jordan may be fraught with challenges. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful and determined to mend their fractured relationship . Despite the events of the past that have created a rift between them, Barkley longs to restore the brotherhood they once shared and ultimately put their misunderstandings behind them.
At this moment, however, Chuck finds himself in a state of uncertainty, unsure if the day he and MJ can finally reconnect will ever come. Admittedly, he knows that the desire for resolution lingers in his heart, but the complexities of their personalities make it difficult to envision a clear way forward.
"We were great friends forever. 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," he once opened up. "That's unfortunate. But I've got to do my job," Barkley said via The Athletic.
Barkley and Jordan stand as iconic figures in the sport, celebrated not only for their exceptional skills during their playing careers but also for their notable achievements in their post-NBA lives. However, one significant difference between the two legends lies in their approaches to challenges and public perception.
Barkley has always embraced the notion of making mistakes, displaying a willingness to be vulnerable and open to criticism. His candidness resonates with many, as he shows that imperfection is a part of growth.
On the other hand, Jordan exudes a sense of unwavering confidence in all his actions and statements. His firm demeanor and decisive nature have contributed to his legendary status, establishing him as a symbol of excellence and determination.
In the end, it's still essential to recognize that no one is truly in a position to judge who is right or wrong between the two.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
