The relationship between two of basketball's most iconic figures appears to have suffered another setback following Charles Barkley's public criticism of how NBC has utilised Michael Jordan's much-anticipated contributions to their NBA coverage this season.
Barkley's Blunt Assessment of NBC's Strategy
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM Radio, Charles Barkley did not hold back when discussing NBC's handling of Michael Jordan's role as a 'special contributor' for the network's NBA coverage. The six-time NBA champion's involvement has primarily consisted of three segments extracted from a single sit-down interview with host Mike Tirico, branded as 'MJ: Insights to Excellence'.
'It's a bad look for NBC and it's just a bad look, plain and simple,' Barkley stated emphatically, expressing his disappointment with how the network has managed Jordan's appearances. 'I was excited. We need Michael Jordan affiliated with the NBA, but now you see this thing coming out with NBC and you're like, 'Wait, y'all did one interview like five months ago and y'all gonna sprinkle it throughout the season?' Come on, man.'
The Hall of Famer went further, describing NBC's approach as 'disingenuous' and expressing his profound disappointment with how the situation has unfolded. Barkley's comments represent the latest chapter in what has become a strained relationship between the two basketball legends, whose friendship famously deteriorated following Barkley's criticism of Jordan's management of the Charlotte Hornets franchise.
Tirico's Defense of the Interview Format
Mike Tirico, who conducted the exclusive interview with Jordan, has since come to the defense of both the basketball icon and NBC's coverage strategy. Speaking on SI Media With Jimmy Traina earlier this month, Tirico acknowledged that Jordan's contributions might not have met all fan expectations but argued they provided valuable perspective nonetheless.
'Michael doesn't talk much, as you know,' Tirico explained. 'Michael still has so many interests in the game, business interests, with a piece of the Hornets and obviously his involvement with [Jordan Brand]. Are there a ton of topics you'd love to get to? Of course. But Michael wanted to talk about where he sees the game right now. And we haven't heard a lot of that.'
Tirico emphasised that Jordan's interview focused on broader themes about the evolution of basketball rather than reacting to specific recent events. 'Was it what everyone wanted? Probably not. Was it better than not hearing from Michael Jordan? You're damn right it was,' Tirico asserted. 'And if we get another shot at it, will I be more than excited to be part of it? You betcha.'
A Friendship Fractured by Professional Criticism
The tension between Barkley and Jordan dates back to 2012, when Barkley delivered critical commentary about Jordan's performance as owner of the Charlotte Hornets during an episode of TNT's 'Inside the NBA'. According to Barkley's recollection, Jordan responded with a late-night phone call that evening, during which he 'went ballistic' on his former friend.
'He called me that night and went ballistic on me,' Barkley revealed during an appearance on the Tom Tolbert show. 'He said 'you supposed to be my best friend and you're going to do that bulls***?''
Despite the intimidating nature of Jordan's reaction, Barkley maintained his professional stance, telling Jordan: 'I have to do my job and you haven't been a good GM. How can I criticize other people and give him a pass? When other guys make bad draft picks, I call them on it too.'
The exchange reportedly escalated into a one-sided shouting match, with Jordan taking the criticism personally. The two basketball icons have not spoken since that contentious phone conversation over a decade ago, and Barkley's latest comments about Jordan's NBC coverage suggest the rift remains firmly in place.
Fan Reaction and Industry Perspectives
Barkley is not alone in expressing disappointment with Jordan's limited NBC appearances. Many basketball fans have also voiced their underwhelmed reactions to what was initially promoted as significant involvement from the sport's greatest player. The contrast between expectations created by the 'special contributor' title and the reality of pre-recorded segments from a single interview has left some viewers questioning the network's approach.
Meanwhile, Tirico continues to defend the value of Jordan's contributions, highlighting the unique perspective offered by someone of Jordan's stature in the game. 'In our world right now, all you want to do is make the final answer before you know everything,' Tirico reflected. 'I love that Michael trusted us enough to sit and do something he hasn't done in a long, long, long time - to talk about where the game is right now.'
The broadcaster acknowledged that Jordan's segments won't address breaking news or specific injuries but will instead provide broader commentary on the state of basketball. 'We don't have the greatest player of all time talking about what he sees as the evolution of the game,' Tirico noted, suggesting this represents a different but valuable form of basketball analysis.
