Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan Working on Reconciliation: “We’re Selfish and Stupid”

Up until 14 years ago, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan were known to be as thick as thieves. Their friendship was the stuff of legends, as many felt their back-and-forth banter amidst the rivalries they shared on the court defined them.

The height of their on-court battles was when the then-Phoenix Suns star elevated his game to the extent where he was crowned the 1993 regular season MVP, with Jordan finishing behind him.

But then when they clashed in the NBA Finals, His Airness proved to his best friend why he was the best player in the world. Jordan led his Bulls to win their fourth championship, leaving Barkley distraught.

During their playing career and up until 2012, the two would spend a lot of time together. Whether it was gambling or playing golf, their camaraderie was at its peak.

Then it all changed when Charles Barkley claimed on Inside the NBA that his friend was surrounded by ‘yes men.’ That was the cause of Jordan’s struggles with the Charlotte Hornets.

A phone call ensued, and the six-time champion’s words ended their friendship then and there. Since that day, they never spoke with each other. Both, admittedly, have kept their egos in front of the other, but now are willing to try.

He’s like, ‘Listen, lets get this go. We were great friends, brothers for a long time, and both of us being selfish and stupid.’ I said, ‘Yeah, we are. We’re both selfish and stupid and stubborn.’

Charles Barkley revealed on Pardon My take

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are going to reconcile their relationship pic.twitter.com/T8Z3k511yg

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) July 17, 2026

This exchange should give fans a sigh of relief, knowing that Barkley and Jordan are going to work on their relationship after 14 years apart. By the start of the next NBA season, fans should get an update from the analyst.

Michael Jordan was disgusted with Charles Barkley’s ‘yips’

After talking about their ice-breaking conversation, Charles Barkley revealed that Michael Jordan invited him to his golf course in Florida once the basketball season was over. Since the latter is currently out of the country, as he usually does this time of the year, the former league MVP is waiting for his friend to return.

He quit playing with me when I had the ‘yips.’ So we haven’t played together (in a long time). He’s a better golfer than me… He said, ‘This is not fun for me to watch. I’m not playing with you anymore. You got to play with the group behind me.’

Barkley revealed

This was the 63-year-old revealing how long it has been since he and his former best friend played golf together. Barkley revealed that ever since Jordan demoted him to the second unit, they have not played against each other.

The Inside the NBA analyst has struggled with his infamous hitch while driving the ball. But of late, he has fixed his game. That is why Charles Barkley mentioned that he would now like to take his game to Jordan.

Charles Barkley doubles down on Draymond Green ‘level’ take

After this discussion about Michael Jordan, Pardon My Take host Big Cat moved on to a recent topic involving Charles Barkley. He revealed to the NBA legend that after Draymond Green‘s apparent comparison while on Inside the NBA, the basketball world tore the Warriors star apart while defending Barkley.

Listen, Draymond is a good player. I was a great player… But we’re not on the same level.

Barkley said

“Listen, Draymond is a good player. I was a great player… We’re not on the same level” -Charles Barkley on Pardon My Take pic.twitter.com/smr13HZSG9

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 17, 2026

The Alabama native made it clear that he was not bothered by the online narratives and also did not see how fans were defending him. However, he reiterated that he did not want to go back-and-forth with Green about it. At the same time, he doubled down on his opinion of how their ‘levels’ vary.

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