Charles Barkley states what ended his friendship with Michael Jordan: “Michael Jordan, losing his friendship was probably the most prominent thing that’s happened to me”

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan have a very long and storied friendship. From their time playing together in the NBA to being teammates on the Dream Team, Barkley and Jordan were good friends. After the two men ended their playing careers, they continued to remain close, frequently golfing together well into retirement.

According to Barkley, however, the friendship took a turn for the worse some time ago when he criticized Jordan for his handling of the Charlotte Hornets. With the Charlotte franchise traditionally being one of the worst teams in the NBA over the course of the last 20 years, it wasn't surprising that Barkley was critical.

Of course, Jordan didn't take the criticism well. In a recent interview with Tom Brady and Jim Gray, Barkley reflected on the situation, saying that the two of them still haven't made amends. Now 10 years removed from the pair's fallout, Barkley considers the saga to be one of the most prominent things in his life.

“I think, probably, me and Michael were best friends," Barkley said. "That’s probably the most prominent thing. Michael Jordan, losing his friendship was probably the most prominent thing that’s happened to me. 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.’"

Barkley said that although his criticism may have seemed harsh, he was simply just being honest with his friend.

"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," Barkley said. "Very few people are gonna be honest with you.”

Below you can see a hilarious clip of the two men roasting each other on an old episode of "Oprah."

What did Charles Barkley say to make Michael Jordan mad?

2022 NBA All-Star Game

Way back in 2012, Barkley spoke on ESPN Radio about the state of the Hornets franchise. The team had recently just come off one of the most horrendous seasons in sporting history. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the team was rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets. At the time, Jordan was the owner for two years and hadn't done a great job.

Barkley, who was friends with Jordan at the time, explained that regardless of their friendship, he didn't believe the Chicago Bulls legend was doing a great job.

"I love Michael, but he just has not done a good job," Barkley said. "Even though he is one of my great friends, I can't get on here and tell you he's done a great job. He has not done a great job, plain and simple."

It sounds like even after 10 years, the pair have yet to make amends. Whether or not that changes in the future, only time will tell. For now, it seems as though Jordan's Hornets are in a better spot. With LaMelo Ball, the team has made strides towards being true contenders.