Barkley and Jordan’s friendship took a detour in ’90s rivalry

While NBA rivalries in the ’80s were intense and brutal, Charles Barkley’s friendship with Michael Jordan took a detour in the ’90s. Former teammate Rick Mahorn recently went on record saying that Barkley’s reluctance to play with Michael Jordan cost the team dearly.

FRIENDSHIP OVER COMPETITION: Mahorn, a guest on “The Cedric Maxwell Podcast,” recalled Barkley suggesting that Barkley “put Michael Jordan on the court” against the Bulls. Barkley replied, “No, that’s my friend.

Lost battles, lost friends? According to Mahorn, that “buddy-buddy” cost them dearly, pointing to the two games they lost to the Bulls in the playoffs. He even joked that Barkley should beat MJ to maintain their now non-speaking relationship.

GENERATIONAL HOSTILITY: Mahorn contrasted this with the “brother-in-law ball” of today’s NBA, where rivalries seem to be less intense and players seem to be closer off the court. He recalls the ’80s, when respect for opponents didn’t translate into weakness on the court.

Conversation Starter: Mahone’s comments raise questions about the evolving nature of the NBA game. Do today’s players lack the competitive passion of their predecessors? Or has the game simply evolved to prioritize camaraderie over on-court animosity?