“Mad at the Dude, You Gotta Say Thank You”: Charles Barkley, Who Hasn’t Talked to Michael Jordan in 10 Years, Cherishes MJ for Making Him a Millionaire

Michael Jordan took the first big step with Nike nearly forty years ago. Today, that deal has helped many athletes to make a name for themselves in the competitive sports business. While his genius is an inspiration to many, it was also a helping hand for Jordan’s estranged friend, Charles Barkley. In fact, it was Mike’s advice that helped Barkley become a millionaire. Chuck is finding it difficult to show his gratitude directly to the 6x NBA champion, due to their ongoing beef. Anyhow, he said what he had to say in a recent interview. 

Charles Barkley shared, “Michael [Jordan] made all of us money…I made so much from Nike because of Michael Jordan…Once we are old, people forget…Guys weren’t making commercials, guys wasn’t getting paid to wear shoes. That’s all because of Michael Jordan.” The 1993 NBA MVP added, “And even if you’re mad at the dude you got to say thank you for making me all this damn money…I made so much money from Nike and I’m still with Nike today and it’s all because of Michael Jordan.” 

This was surprising from Barkley given their 10-year feud which is not coming to an end anytime soon. It began with Barkley’s comments on MJ’s ownership stint with the Charlotte Hornets. Mike took it personally, and the duo have pretty much never recovered from it. 

Michael Jordan made the first big step in basketball, which has opened the door for many over the years. He continues to earn $250 million a year even today from Air Jordans and that alone shows how impactful his deal was. But for Barkley, Jordan helped differently.

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Michael Jordan’s iconic financial advice helped Charles Barkley earn millions

Barkley was initially hesitant to sign with Nike. Yet, he took the big step in 1992 and he offered a deal worth $3 million, which the Sixers legend was happy about. Michael Jordan looked at the deal differently. He asked Barkley to get 2/3rd of the deal as stock options as it would increase his scope to earn.

Sir Charles shared MJ’s advice in a later interview, “We both go to Nike. They signed Michael and me. Michael gave me great advice. He said ‘Hey man, why do you need all that money?’…Tell Nike you want one million and the rest in stock options’.”

This helped the 1993 MVP earn 10 times the money he got from the deal. Barkley said, “I actually made probably 10 times the amount of money and I am still with Nike to this day”.

Read more: How Did Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley Fair in Their NBA Debuts? Is a Player’s First Game Always a Sign of Things to Come?

This is where Jordan’s genius played its part. It’s only fair that Barkley shows all this gratitude to the Chicago Bulls legend. Sadly, he is not able to do it directly to Jordan. Hope MJ is hearing all this!  What are your thoughts on the above story? Share your take in the comments below.