John Salley comments on rising animosity between Michael Jordan & Charles Barkley: "Charles said, 'I made a mistake, I should not have said that'"
There are many NBA players Michael Jordan doesn't share a close bond with, and at the top of the list is Charles Barkley. The two Hall of Famers haven't spoken in over a decade, with no signs of that changing.
Part of why the two had a fallout is because Barkley made some not so nice comments about Michael Jordan in regards to his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets. Since becoming an owner in 2010, the team has only finished above .500 twice. The Hornets haven't made the playoffs since 2016, and currently have one of the worst records in the league at 7-23.
During a recent appearance on VLAD TV, former Detroit Pistons forward John Salley was asked about the beef between the two members of "The Dream Team." Salley recalled talking to Barkley about it, and claimed that he regretted making those comments about Jordan.
"I interviewed Charles last year at leaders and legends Tony Larussa's event and we spoke on that last November last October and he said I made a mistake I should not have said that about my friend."
"Charles said right there on stage, he was wrong for doing that and going at Michael."
Michael Jordan has a poor track record as an NBA owner
When it comes to performing on the court, there is no denying that Michael Jordan is one of the best to ever do it. However, his transition to ownership has not gone the way some thought it would.
Part of why Jordan stopped speaking to Barkley after these comments is because there is some truth to them. As a player, the Chicago Bulls icon was at competitive as they come. Jordan likely still has that fire as an owner, but hasn't been able to put together a winning franchise.
For some time now, the Charlotte Hornets have been a middle-of-the-pack team at best. The play-in tournament gave them a shot at the postseason, but they were unable to capitalize.
One thing Michael Jordan has done as an owner is find a franchise cornerstone. Charlotte had the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and walked away with a star in LaMelo Ball. The young point guard has already made an All-Star team and is one of the top facilitators in the league.
This season has got out of hand for the Hornets, but Michael Jordan might luck into a generational talent. With Charlotte being at the bottom of the standings, they are now a team to watch who could potentially land French sensation Victor Wembanyama in the upcoming draft.