Sports networks have long utilized former athletes for commentary, and NBC did that in a big way when NBA coverage returned this past season. The network tapped several veteran ballers for gigs, and Michael Jordan was even hired to headline a segment. Jordan’s portion of the broadcasts received mixed-to-negative reactions, and it’s unclear if he’ll collaborate with the brand moving forward. In the meantime, though, fellow NBA legend Isiah Thomas is weighing in on that segment and revealing why he takes issue with some broadcasters.

Jordan was at the center of MJ: Insights to Excellence, which are nearly five-minute segments that see Jordan discussing a different topic with broadcaster Mike Tirico. Yet the chats weren’t live, as they were portions of a pre-recorded interview between the pair. Early on, it was thought that Jordan’s segments would be live, and fans seemed disappointed to find that out. Isiah Thomas was recently asked about the merits of networks bringing in Jordan and other NBA legends more regularly, and he’s fine with it on one condition:

Thomas – a seasoned broadcaster himself – makes a good point, and what he’s essentially referring to is how some people tend to romanticize the history of the game. Don’t be mistaken, as the NBA has seen some incredible feats over the course of its existence. However, it can be argued that there are those who look at it all through rose-colored glasses. Thomas is one of several players who’s witnessed or been a part of big moments, so he does have the authority to speak. On that note, he also told Run It Back this:

Something that should be mentioned, is that there are those who've seemingly enjoyed Insights to Excellence and appreciate the novelty of seeing Jordan share his perspectives. Check out a segment below:

At its best, sports journalism is indeed storytelling, but it’s also about laying out facts as accurately as possible. There are, of course, other avenues in which former players have discussed their on-court battles like documentaries. Thomas, for example, appeared in The Last Dance and reflected on the intense rivalry between his Pistons and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. After the fact, though, Thomas said he felt “blindsided” by the way the doc was edited, and it played into his decision to opt out of the Celtics City docuseries.

NBC, meanwhile, will seemingly maintain its group of broadcasters for the upcoming professional basketball season. That includes big names like hall-of-famers Tracy McGrady and Carmelo Anthony as well as Inside the NBA alum Jamal Crawford among others. As for Michael Jordan’s future as a “special contributor,” NBC Sports head Rick Cordella would neither confirm nor deny whether his Airness would be part of the team again. However, Cordella said the company hoped “to be in business with Michael for a long time.”

If that happens, I have to wonder if Isiah Thomas will be watching in the hopes that the “honesty” he seeks will take shape. Thomas and others will be able to tune into the NBA on NBC when the block returns to the 2026 TV schedule this fall.

Sports fans were recently treated to some positive news, as Charles Barkley confirmed that he and Michael Jordan buried the hatchet after being estranged for years. The two NBA legends apparently reconnected thanks to a mutual friend, baseball player Vince Coleman. While Barkley is set to golf with Jordan sometime in the near future, someone he’s seemingly not planning to see soon is Tiger Woods. On that note, Barkley explained why both he and Jordan are no longer all that tight with the famous golfer.

Charles Barkley Speaks About His Relationship With Tiger Woods

To put it mildly, Barkley is someone who doesn’t exactly have a problem speaking his mind. (His wild sentiments about Inside the NBA’s suspected cancellation a few years ago prove that sentiment.) Barkley’s candor also extends to his discussions about his personal relationships and, with that, he discussed his former bond with Woods while on ESPN Radio. During the interview (which is on YouTube), after being asked if he and Jordan might reach out to Woods, Barkley shared an honest assessment:

Woods has experienced a number of personal issues in recent years, including automobile incidents as Charles Barkley alluded to. Most recently, this past March, Woods was arrested for DUI again after getting into a car accident near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. Woods – who’s allegedly been grappling with the situation – released a statement in which he asked for privacy while seeking treatment. As Woods seeks to make changes, Barkley apparently wants to make it clear where he (and MJ) stand with him:

Barkley still seems to have respect for Woods, even though the latter supposedly ended their friendship. All in all, this situation sounds considerably different from what went down when Barkley and Jordan parted ways years ago.

How Did Charles Barkley And Michael Jordan Become Estranged For More Than A Decade?

Jordan and Barkley’s period of estrangement was set in motion by comments the latter made during a 2012 interview. During that discussion, Barkley chastised Jordan’s management of the Charlotte Bobcats at the time. The longtime media personality also opined that Jordan needed to get some better people around him. As has been shared by Barkley, Jordan didn’t take too kindly to the critiques, as His Airness later called his friend and chewed him out for airing those views.

In the years after all of that happened, Barkley opened up about “losing” Jordan’s friendship and admitted to missing their dynamic. However, the former Philadelphia 76er admitted that both he and the Chicago Bulls icon were “stubborn.” Barkley seemingly proved that point in 2023 when he was asked if he would ever mend fences with Jordan and simply said, “He’s got my number.” Despite that, Barkley was civil when discussing MJ and gave him his props, even going as far as to reveal the moment he knew Jordan was a better player than him.

As a fan, it honestly warms my heart to know that Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are taking steps to renew their friendship. Such a reconciliation between the two of them and Tiger Woods seems unlikely at this point, however. It is still amiable, though, that Barkley wishes Woods well as he contends with his personal challenges.

It seems some magic is unfolding within the sports landscape, and I’m not talking about the developments in the NBA Playoffs. Longtime friends Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley have seemingly buried the hatchet years after their falling-out. That revelation recently came from Barkley, who suggested that he and MJ found some common ground. At the same time, there still doesn’t seem to be much movement regarding a reconciliation between Jordan and Scottie Pippen and, now a former teammate of theirs is weighing in.

A Former Bulls Player Weighs In On The State Of Michael Jordan And Scottie Pippen’s Relationship

Pippen and Jordan have been estranged since the release of the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription) in 2020. While Pippen initially claimed not to have had a problem with the show, he later lambasted it and Jordan in his memoir, Unguaded. The Arkansas native claimed Jordan used his editorial power to uplift himself while not giving others due credit. Scott Williams mentioned the doc during his recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio Post Game Show (via The Basketball Network), saying:

A significant portion of the Emmy-winning documentary was devoted to the dynamic between Jordan and his teammates. While they admitted that MJ’s methods could be tough, they also lauded him for his effectiveness. Still, the divide between Jordan and Pippen remains, though Williams remains optimistic about the chances of them putting their differences aside:

Scott Williams isn’t the only person who’d like to see a Pippen/Jordan reunion at some point in the future, as Dennis Rodman also believes they’ll link up again. Another Bulls alum, Horace Grant, thinks it’ll take Jordan and Pippen setting aside their egos to truly mend fences. What’s ironic, though, is Williams' mention of an intermediary, as that apparently played into Jordan’s kumbaya moment with Charles Barkley.

How Did Michael Jordan And Charles Barkley Get Back On Good Terms?

Charles Barkley has been candid about “losing” his friendship with Michael Jordan, and that apparently happened after Barkley criticized Jordan’s acumen and asserted that he needed “better” people around him. Jordan apparently called Barkley later that evening and chastised him for sharing those sentiments. While it seemed like the two would never repair their friendship after that, it seems a third-party stepped in and, as Barkley explained to ESPN Chicago (as seen on YouTube), they have a baseball player to thank for this:

And here I thought it was sports analyst Michael Wilbon’s job to get Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan back together. In all seriousness, though, it’s great to hear that they’re set to hang out and that Barkley is “looking forward to the future.” Whether that future also includes a scenario in which Scottie Pippen joins the pair for a tee time is unclear. For now, fans will just have to hold onto hope alongside Scott Williams and others that Jordan and Pippen’s friendship will be renewed.

Space Jam is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and AMC is commemorating the occasion with a special screening and a limited-edition popcorn bucket that will help you work on your hoop game. While people may still debate who had the better victory between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, I think it's clear who the GOAT is concerning concessions after seeing these latest offerings from AMC.

The movie, which featured Jordan helping out the Looney Tunes in their battle against the Monstars, is coming back to theaters for one day only on May 20th. To celebrate that, AMC offered a first look at its commemorative popcorn bucket, which resembles an arcade Pop-A-Shot, and a drink container shaped like a basketball. Take a look:

I fear I'd be too distracted by the chance to shoot my popcorn through the basket and miss out on some of Space Jam's greatest moments, but I have to have it anyway. If I'm being honest, though, I kind of want the drink holder more. Even if I know my daughter might break it by trying to use it as an actual basketball the first chance she gets.

This Space Jam merchandise release is just the latest in a string of nostalgic popcorn buckets made for movie anniversaries. Another one is being made for Shrek's 25th anniversary, and even The Lord of the Rings got in on the fun. These concession collectibles are starting to be big business for theaters, it seems, and I absolutely love it.

I also have to say that, as someone who traditionally skipped out on anniversary showings of classic movies in theaters, I went to a special screening of Home Alone a while back and absolutely loved it. Before that, I assumed the experience wouldn't be any different than sitting and watching the movie at home, but experiencing it changed my mind.

Not to wax poetic too much about the theater experience, but there is something more enjoyable about watching a movie alongside a group of strangers who are equally invested. The jokes are funnier, and I'm certainly a lot more dialed in on the movie than I would be on my couch with the ability to hit pause. Now, the Pop-A-Shot popcorn bucket may keep me more distracted during Space Jam, but I'll try to make a note not to play with it too much during the actual movie.

As mentioned, Space Jam is headed back to theaters for one day only on May 20th, so mark your calendars to get those concessions and see "The Last Dance" of Michael Jordan's one-off adventure with the Looney Tunes. Plus, the soundtrack is great, and since the movie is so old, I won't feel bad about dancing to it in my seat.

GOAT – or Greatest of All Time – conversations are commonplace within sports, and that’s certainly true when it comes to basketball. I’ve personally been in a room or two while such a debate was going on. While fans are cognizant of those discussions, current and former players are as well, and that includes Michael Jordan. Long considered to be the best to ever lace up a pair of basketball sneakers, Jordan has his own specific take on the discussions – and I really like the way he views the discourse.

His Airness broached the topic of the GOAT during a recent installment of his (somewhat criticized) MJ: Insights to Excellence series for NBC. Mike Tirico asked for Jordan’s take on the discussion after they discussed his past experiences with the Olympics. While fans may have their takes on which player (or players) trump the rest, Jordan doesn’t seem to be buying into the discussions himself. As for why he’s choosing not to categorize players in such a way, the six-time NBA Finals winner dropped these thoughts:

What Jordan is saying is that he appreciates the fact that as the years go on, players can put their specific stamps on the game, pushing the sport further while also building on what’s come before. That’s a great perspective to have, and it really speaks volumes coming from the man at the center of so many of these GOAT conversations. In addition to all of that, I can also understand some other comments MJ made during the segment (which is on YouTube). Those sentiments deal with an aspect of debate:

With that viewpoint in mind, Michael Jordan, of course, seemingly has no reason to have contempt for any current players, especially since he constantly receives his flowers. Many of his contemporaries also speak highly of him. Jordan’s former Bulls teammate, Dennis Rodman, has talked him up, and Magic Johnson has even lauded Jordan as the “strongest” player he’s seen. Nevertheless, Jordan is holding on to his opinion about the conversation:

This actually isn’t the first time Air Jordan has spoken about being called the GOAT as, during his playing days, he fielded the question. At the time, he put comparisons to Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and co. to rest by saying that he’s simply parallel to those legends, given he didn’t play against them in their primes and vice versa. Quite frankly, it’s great to see Jordan sticking to his principles decades later.

Check out Michael Jordan’s theatrics on the basketball court by checking out the docuseries The Last Dance. The ten-part series is available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

As former Chicago Bulls teammates Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen remain estranged, others around the sports world continue to weigh in on the matter and analyze their playing styles. Jordan is, of course, viewed as the basketball GOAT in various circles, but Pippen has received his share of props as well. One debate that rages on amongst fans and former players alike is who was the better on-court defender between Pippen and Jordan. Now, Reggie Miller – who played against both Bulls alums – is settling that debate.

Miller, of course, is a hall of famer and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team. During his 18-year career, which saw him play solely for the Indiana Pacers, Miller played against some of the greatest ballers to ever step on the hardwood, from Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley to Gary Payton and Kobe Bryant. Miller was recently asked about Pippen and Jordan during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. When told that Robert Horry named Pippen the better defender, Miller shared this response:

Considering the friendly rivalry Jordan and Miller had on the court, I’m not surprised the latter took a moment to throw some playful shade at His Airness. In all seriousness, though, as Miller shared during the chat (shared to YouTube), he was guarded better by Pippen. Many have indeed lauded Pippen for his defensive skills, as he could indeed guard players of different positions. Of course, Jordan – a Defensive Player of the Year winner – was no slouch in that department either. Still, I can understand why Miller would name Pippen the better defender.

Pippen has been complimented multiple times over the past several years alone, with ex-teammate Dennis Rodman praising him for contributions to the Bulls’ championship teams of the ‘90s. Another former Bull, Ron Harper, also hyped up Pippen during a recent interview and called him “the best small forward to ever play the game of basketball.” NBA vet Gilbert Arenas even specifically applauded Pippen’s defensive prowess and its impact on Jordan’s game.

It goes without saying that Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were a combined force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, which is a big reason why some people have had a hard time seeing them feud. The situation began in earnest in 2021 when Pippen criticized ESPN’s The Last Dance, on which Jordan was a producer. Pippen later took other shots at MJ, even calling him a “horrible” player. Despite that, “Pip” has still referred to Jordan as one of the best players he’s ever played with.

At this point, any sort of reconciliation still feels like a pipe dream when it comes to Jordan and Pippen. Crazier things have happened, of course. In the meantime, as a fan, I just find the analysis on Pippen and Jordan’s playing styles fascinating in the interim. I’ll be waiting to see if another NBA legend like Miller decides to weigh in on an aspect of their athletic abilities.

Check out both Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in action by streaming The Last Dance. The 10-part series, which also features Reggie Miller, is available with a Netflix subscription.

It’s been a few years now since the (mostly one-sided) feud between former Chicago Bulls players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen began, and they still don’t appear close to a reconciliation. This situation all began in earnest back in 2021 when Pippen shared blunt thoughts on The Last Dance (ESPN’s acclaimed docuseries). Since then, the two reportedly haven’t spoken but, at the same time, many of their ex-teammates have shared their experiences with them. And Ron Harper is now one of the latest to share memories.

Harper played for the Bulls from 1994 to 1999 and, as a result, he was a member of the team’s three championship teams in ‘96, ‘97 and ‘98. In that time, Harper – who played the shooting guard and point guard position – was able to spend a bit of time with Pippen and Jordan. Harper appeared on the Cousins podcast and after, co-host Tracy McGrady mentioned to him that he heard Bulls coach Phil Jackson called Pippen a “better” player than Jordan, he shared this take:

Talk about some serious praise, though the “best small forward to ever play” comment certainly is reasonable. Pippen was a force on the court, and his on-court heroics have been well documented. A member of the basketball hall of fame, Pippen has long been revered as a key member of those championship-winning Bulls teams of the ‘90s, and he’s been named one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history. During his recent interview, part of which is on X, Harper showered even more praise upon Pippen:

Ron Harper is far from the first Bulls alum to share kind thoughts about Scottie Pippen. In 2021, Toni Kukoč praised Pippen, citing him for “taking care of the whole team” and “guarding” people on the court. Dennis Rodman also lauded Pippen’s skills and opined that Jordan needed him for those teams to be successful. Over the years, Jordan himself – who many have long argued is the basketball GOAT – has also complimented Pippen, who was alongside him for all six of those championship runs.

Pippen’s thoughts on Jordan have varied in recent years. When he initially shared his thoughts on Last Dance, Pippen blasted Jordan for allegedly using the Bulls-centric documentary to uplift himself instead of giving his teammates their due credit. Sometime later, the Arkansas native referred to Jordan as a “horrible” player. Though, amid the feud, Pippen has also said that if he were given the opportunity to play with MJ again, he would do it.

Considering where Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan currently stand, it doesn’t feel likely that they’ll reconcile anytime soon. At the very least, what can be said right now, is that based on their teammates’ comments, those players had a lot of respect for both Jordan and Pippen. You can check out the duo’s dominant run with the Bulls by streaming The Last Dance with a Netflix subscription now.

By now, it’s no secret that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen aren’t exactly on the best of terms. The legendary Chicago Bulls players have been embroiled in a (mostly one-sided) feud over the past several years. Pippen and Jordan remain estranged, and a number of their former teammates have weighed in on their fractured relationship. Among those to speak out as of late is Randy Brown, who’s hoping his former comrades will mend fences. Now, Brown is addressing the narrative that Jordan and Pippen were never close.

Randy Brown, a former point guard, was a member of the Bulls when they won three consecutive championships between 1996 and 1998. While Brown was a key support guy off the bench, he still became relatively well acquainted with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. That appears to be a major reason why Brown, as he explained during his appearance on fellow ex-Bull Stacey King’s Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast, is not convinced Jordan and Pippen had no relationship beyond the court:

Believe it or not, a major reason why the notion that Jordan and Pippen were never close was actually sparked by the latter. During an interview he gave a little over a year ago, Pippen said he and Jordan “never were great friends” and didn’t hang out much off the court. Brown, however, seems to be suggesting that’s not exactly the case, and Stacey King – who played for the Bulls between 1989 and 1994 – agreed with Brown’s assessment. On that note, Brown add some more thoughts:

The catalyst for the Jordan/Pippen feud was The Last Dance, the Emmy-winning docuseries that tracked the Bulls’ final championship run during the 1997-1998 NBA season. While Pippen initially claimed he wasn’t fazed by the doc, he later blasted Jordan in his 2021 memoir, Unguarded, as he claimed MJ used the show to uplift himself and not give others players their just due. (During his interview, Brown revealed that he agreed that some players didn’t receive credit.) Pippen has since criticized Jordan on multiple occasions, even going so far as to call him a “horrible” player.

Although Pippen has been clear on where he stands with Jordan, there are still those who believe there’s still a chance the two can reconcile. Their former teammate, Dennis Rodman, previously expressed hope that the pair could work things out. Fellow Bulls alum Horance Grant believes Pippen and Jordan will have to swallow their pride. Whether or not that’s possible remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the narrative that Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were never close continues to permeate the public consciousness. Should Randy Brown stand by his words, though, he’ll continue to argue against that idea.

In 2025, after NBA on NBC’s return was confirmed, the network stoked up major buzz by announcing basketball legend Michael Jordan had been tapped for a position. The Chicago Bulls icon was dubbed a “special contributor,” and details on Jordan’s gig were kept heavily under wraps early on. Last fall, it was finally revealed that Jordan took part in a pre-taped interview with Mike Tirico and that clips would be shared throughout the NBA season. Fans have since taken issue with that, and it seems Charles Barkley isn’t so happy either.

What Did Charles Barkley Say About Michael Jordan’s Job At NBC?

The backlash surrounding MJ: Insights to Excellence mostly seems to revolve around the fact that Jordan is providing specific analysis in real time. As it stands, the interview clips show him sharing his thoughts on general topics pertaining to the state of professional basketball. Charles Barkely can be counted amongst those who were expecting more from his former friend’s new position. During an interview with Sirius XM NBA Radio, which was shared to X, Barkley shared his discontent with the "disingenuous” content decision:

Sir Charles did indeed express enthusiasm over the notion of Michael Jordan joining the Peacock network’s professional basketball coverage. Last year, Barkley said it was “going to be fun” watching his fellow Dream Team alum on air, and he shut down the notion of them now being broadcasting “rivals.” (That last bit, of course, refers to the fact that Barkley has long been a co-host of Inside the NBA, which moved to ESPN at the end of 2025.) Now, it would appear that Barkley has more than changed his tune about Jordan’s hiring.

Mike Tirico himself weighed in on the backlash as well, admitting that the Michael Jordan segment “probably” wasn’t what everyone wanted. However, Tirico also argued that the segments still got fans buzzing, for better or worse. Ahead of that, former Bulls player Randy Brown also opined that it made sense for Jordan not to be a live commentator, because he didn’t possess the “mindset to critique” players. Whether or not that’s actually true, Barkley and others are not pleased.

How Have Michael Jordan And Charles Barkley Been Linked Over The Years?

Jordan comes up quite frequently whenever Barkley is being interviewed, as the two not only played against each other but were also good friends. The pair apparently met when they were still young players and, as their careers progressed, their friendship grew as well. In rare instances, the two appeared in interviews together, creating some truly funny moments.

At some point, the Barkley/Jordan friendship soured, however. Barkley has been candid about how his dynamic with Jordan deteriorated, confirming that it was set in motion by something he said about his former pal. Barkley made comments about Jordan’s position as a basketball team owner and said he needed to put some better people around him. Sometime after that, Jordan apparently chewed out Barkley over the phone, and the pair haven’t spoken since. Still, sports analyst Michael Wilbon is trying to reunite them.

It feels as though the chances of Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley reconciling are as slim as the chances of Jordan filming another interview for NBC. As of this writing, MJ isn’t scheduled to film additional content, though NBC Sports President Rick Cordella is open to continuing that partnership. Should that happen, I’d be curious as to whether execs would alter Jordan’s involvement in a way that would satiate fans (and Barkley).

Ahead of the 2025-2026 NBA season, there was considerable excitement over the return of the NBA on NBC block. It was revealed early on that the network was scooping up a lot of former players to serve as broadcasters and analysts, and that included Michael Jordan. Last summer, Jordan was hired as a “special contributor,” with fans expressing enthused feelings over the hiring. However, Jordan’s role hasn’t quite been what viewers were expecting, and that’s led to backlash. Now, Mike Tirico is sharing thoughts.

There was much secrecy surrounding Jordan’s role early on. Ultimately, during NBA on NBC and Peacock’s first doubleheader of the season, fans were treated to the first installment in a segment called MJ: Insights to Excellence. As it was revealed, Insights would be made up of portions from a pre-taped interview between Jordan and Tirico, with each episode showing the pair discussing a different topic from that convo.

Michael Jordan’s segment swiftly garnered backlash from fans who took to X and other social media platforms to voice their dissatisfaction. Based on the reactions, a number of viewers were hoping to see real-time analysis from MJ as opposed to various bits from a single interview. Now, Mike Tirico has shared an update that will surely be disappointing, as he confirmed to SI Media With Jimmy Traina that Jordan has not committed to any further interviews. When addressing the blowback, Tirico shared a personal take:

The veteran broadcaster – who’s also worked at ABC and ESPN – also clarified that his interview with Jordan ran for about an hour and 45 minutes. Most notably, the six-time NBA champion was reportedly paid millions of dollars to do the sit-down interview. Tirico’s comments also come weeks after NBC Sports President Rick Cordella discussed his hope to keep working with Jordan. During his recent interview, Tirico spoke more about the Jordan segments and, while they aren’t live, he weighed in on why they’re still valuable in his eyes:

By all accounts, Mike Tirico has been enjoying the resurgence of NBA on NBC (which went off the air for the second time in 2002). Tirico previously hyped up his fellow analysts, and it would seem those positive feelings extend to his interview with Jordan, regardless of the blowback:

Mike Tirico confirmed that MJ: Insights to Excellence would continue to air throughout the remainder of the season. While the segment definitely hasn’t been what many people expected, Tirico does still make a fair point that despite the backlash, the interview is still generating buzz due to fans dissecting Jordan’s thoughts. Keep an eye out for more of Jordan’s interview by checking out NBA on NBC. Be sure to watch it on traditional TV, or grab a Peacock subscription to stream it.

Marty Supreme is a film filled with humor, drama, sports action and over-the-top situations. Yet at its core, the Josh Safdie-directed film is about one man’s pursuit of greatness within the world of athletics. Lead actor Timothée Chalamet – who’s been honest about wanting to be great – seemed to connect with his character, Marty Mauser, in that ambitious respect. Considering Chalamet’s own drive, I’m not too surprised he was able to slide into this role, but what I didn’t expect was for him to share that Michael Jordan inspired his approach.

When it comes to professional athletes, Michael Jordan remains a revered individual for his incredible drive and determination, which helped make the ‘90s-era Chicago Bulls the team to beat in the NBA. Timothée Chalamet expressed his own reverence for Jordan while appearing on an episode of 7PM in Brooklyn (which is on YouTube). During the interview, talk eventually turned to comparing successes amongst different disciplines, leading Chalamet to share his experience with a certain basketball documentary:

A ten-part docuseries, 2020’s The Last Dance chronicles the Bulls’ 1997-1998 season, which culminates in them winning their sixth, and as of this writing, final championship. The show (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription) also provides an in-depth look at MJ’s mentality and arguably exemplifies just why he’s considered one of the strongest athletes to ever live. The show received acclaim amid its debut, and it ultimately won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.

I may not have been expecting Chalamet to bring up Jordan when discussing how Marty Supreme came together, but it actually does make sense. First and foremost, Chalamet is a big basketball fan, so much so that he’d love to play Ernie Johnson in an Inside the NBA biopic. Secondly, Jordan approached his work with a considerable amount of dedication and intensity, which can also be said of Marty Mauser’s devotion to table tennis. While speaking to the notion of possibly being “too intense” on set, Chalamet also made an argument:

The late Kobe Bryant did indeed have that same level of intensity, and part of that was born out of him studying Michael Jordan’s game and mentality. It’s easy to say that served Bryant well, and the same can be said about Chalamet’s preparation for Marty Supreme, which has been praised. Chalamet himself has also been lauded for his performance and has already scooped up a Critics’ Choice Award and been honored amongst the 2026 Golden Globe winners.

While it’s fair to say that Marty Mauser is a relatively terrible person, his drive is undeniable, and his never-say-die mindset is definitely on par with that of Michael Jordan and other great athletes. At this point, I can imagine Timothée Chalamet continuing to channel Jordan in the way that he approaches his work. See the fruits of his labor in his latest film by seeing Marty Supreme, which is now playing in theaters.

Allen Iverson accomplished a lot over the course of his stellar professional basketball career, from landing spots on 11 All-Star teams to winning NBA MVP. The now-50-year-old hall of famer is in rarified air, given he’s considered one of the greatest players of all time. Of course, even a legend can still be a bit starstruck by one of his peers. That’s the case for Iverson when it comes to Michael Jordan and, while Iverson still remains in awe of the legendary Chicago Bull, he was truly enamored when he first saw him in person.

Michael Jordan was and remains revered amongst basketball players, including some of the best to ever play the game. Magic Johnson even called Jordan the “strongest” athlete he’d ever come across due to his seemingly limitless amount of energy. Allen Iverson’s experience is a bit different from Johnson’s, as the Hampton native came of age during Air Jordan’s ascension with the sports world. It’s because of that that AI has such an appreciation for His Airness:

Michael Jordan – a six-time NBA champion, 14-time All-Star and five-time league MVP – is compared to LeBron James and a host of other b-ball phenoms. Yet, to many, MJ is still the GOAT, and that’s honestly an understandable take, given his accomplishments. Iverson clearly admires the man and his influence on his career. While appearing on The Tonight Show (as seen on YouTube), Iverson also told Jimmy Fallon about the first time he laid eyes on Jordan and, based on his description, it was apparently surreal:

Some may laugh at the notion of Allen Iverson using a classic Chappelle’s Show sketch to describe the moment he saw MJ in person. Personally, though, I can’t say I wouldn’t have felt the same when seeing a star I really admired. Of course, Iverson himself is a major celebrity as well, and he still gets asked to sign photos and take selfies. Funny enough, the Philadelphia 76ers legend’s friends apparently have to remind him of his own status once in a while, even when he’s around Jordan:

The perennial NBA 2K cover star certainly is a superstar, and I hope he’s fully aware of it. While Michael Jordan is definitely an icon in his own right, Iverson deserves his flowers for being a GOAT who impacted the game of basketball and pop culture as a whole. So I’d like to think Iverson, like his own hero, has an aura surrounding him that makes him appear unreal as well.

Learn more about the legend that is Allen Iverson by streaming the docuseries ALLEN IV3RSON using a Prime Video subscription. Fans can also get a peek inside the mind of Michael Jordan by grabbing a Netflix subscription and streaming the docuseries The Last Dance.

For years, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan were two of the fiercest competitors on the basketball court. They were also, however, good friends outside of the game and frequently hung out. Jordan and Barkley’s friendship has since dissipated, and the latter has occasionally shared insight into the breakdown of that relationship. Now, “Sir Charles” is sharing more recollections about the moment that ended his friendship with “Air Jordan.” And, apparently, a tense late-night phone call was even involved.

Charles Barkley has long been honest about the fact that he inadvertently initiated his estrangement from Michael Jordan by making some comments about his former friend. As Barkley explained during his recent appearance on The Tom Tolbert Show (which is on YouTube), those comments were made while he was on the air. The former NBA MVP recalled his exact critiques, which he also referred to as “indisputed facts”:

In 1999, following his retirement from the Chicago Bulls, Jordan joined the Washington Wizards as the President of Basketball Operations, and he served a minority owner as well, before eventually coming out of retirement to play for the team After being fired from his position as director in 2003, following his third and final retirement. In 2006, he became a minority owner of the NBA team then known as the Charlotte Bobcats and became majority owner of the team (the first ex-player to ever accomplish that) in 2010. He sold his majority stake in 2019.

Like Barkley, some other pundits criticized some of the business decisions Jordan made as an executive. Barkley went on to explain to Tom Tolbert that later in the evening, after he made his comments, Jordan called him and was not happy at all:

Charles Barkley previously talked about “losing” his friendship with Michael Jordan, saying that he loved him like a “brother” but believed the Space Jam alum needed to surround himself with better people. The Inside the NBA co-host attributed their continued estrangement to the fact that they’re both “stubborn.” When asked on a separate occasion if his friendship with Jordan could be repaired, Barkley merely said “he’s got my number.”

Still, Barkley has praised his former friend on several occasions, like when he recalled admitting that Jordan was the better player between the two of them. Barkley also credited Jordan for giving him career advice. It seems unlikely that Barkley and Jordan – who’s also engaged in a one-sided feud with ex-teammate, Scottie Pippen – will ever mend fences. Still, crazier things have happened, right?

Since Michael Jordan’s career as a basketball player ended over two decades ago, he’s expanded his obligations as a businessman. More recently, though, the long-argued b-ball GOAT has taken on a new gig, as he’s currently serving as a “special contributor” for NBA on NBC and Peacock. Jordan is set to continue making TV appearances throughout the rest of this NBA season but, given his busy schedule, it’s fair to wonder if he’s in this for the long haul. Now, the head of NBC Sports is sharing some thoughts.

“Air Jordan” headlines MJ: Insights to Excellence, which is made up of clips from a pre-recorded interview between Jordan and broadcaster Mike Tirico. Each segment sees MJ discussing a different topic related to the game of basketball. This portion of the Peacock network’s professional basketball coverage was mentioned when NBC Sports President Rick Cordella appeared on Sports Media with Richard Deitsch. Although the exec didn’t get too deep into specifics, what he did share should please Jordan fans:

There are plenty of variables at play here, of course, but these comments do bode well for the chances of Michael Jordan staying at NBC with fellow former players. Of course, there’s still the fact that the man has a busy work schedule and, even if the network is eager to keep him in the fold, his availability could shake everything up. With that, Deitsch asked Cordella if he and his colleagues would like to have him be part of their Western Conference Finals coverage later in the season:

Considering that latter comment, it makes sense as to why the network was down to having the six-time NBA champion join its basketball coverage by way of pre-recorded footage from an interview. There are some fans who seem to take issue with the fact that Jordan’s coverage comes down to video clips from a lengthy interview. However, the segments have drawn considerable attention since the beginning of the season. With that buzz in mind, I’d argue that it would behoove the media company to keep “His Airness” in the fold.

Fans aren’t the only ones who’ve expressed interest in Insights to Excellence as it has aired during the 2025 TV schedule. One of Jordan’s former teammates, Randy Brown, weighed in on his new gig and expressed his approval. Brown is also of the thinking that Jordan is better suited for a position like this one as opposed to a live commentator role, with his argument being that the Space Jam star “doesn’t have the mindset to critique” players.

Whether he’s analyzing specific players or sharing general thoughts, Michael Jordan has historically been able to grab people’s attention, and I can understand why NBC would want to remain in business with him. Fans will have to wait and see if or when Jordan’s future with the company is sealed. For now, check the NBA on NBC schedule to find out when games are on TV, and those who want to stream them should grab a Peacock subscription.

Michael B. Jordan has certainly made a name for himself as a bonafide Hollywood star. However, it’s still hard not to take note of the fact that he also shares that name with one of the most famous athletes to ever exist – Michael Jordan. It goes without saying that the basketball hall-of-famer has accomplished quite a lot – both on and off the court – throughout his life. So it’s possible that some people who share that name could feel pressure to achieve greatness. Well, Michael B. has a fresh take on that shared name.

As awards season ramps up, Michael B. Jordan has been promoting his 2025 movie schedule release, vampire drama Sinners, for which he’s received praise. With that, he recently took part in Variety’s Actors on Actors segment, during which he chatted with his former Friday Night Lights co-star, Jesse Plemons. Jordan talked a lot about his formative years and how they molded him. Within that, Jordan talked about having to realize the significance of his name:

As William Shakespeare wrote in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, what’s in a name? Well, someone’s moniker can mean a lot, and Jordan seems to be cognizant of that fact. The significance of Jordan’s name eventually became clear to him and, instead of giving into any kind of pressure about sharing a name with the Chicago Bulls legend. Jordan actually decided to own it and embraced the “healthy” chip on his shoulder, and it seems that helped him in a few ways:

One of the reasons Michael Jordan is arguably the basketball GOAT is that he has a competitive nature that few others can match. He didn’t back down from anyone on the court, and he wasn’t shy about his pursuit of greatness. It sounds like the Creed star was seeking out that kind of greatness as well and, thus far, I’d say it’s served him well. During Michael B.’s interview, Jesse Plemons asked him about the origins of his name, and what resulted was a funny back-and-forth:

• Jesse Plemons: Did you ever ask your parents why?
• Michael B. Jordan: My dad’s name is Michael Jordan.
• Plemons: He was probably around the same age?
• Jordan: My dad’s older than Mike. So I had no shot.
• Plemons: So it was not their fault. It’s just the way the stars aligned.
• Jordan: It was all meant to be, real talk.
• Plemons: It’s funny that you’re talking about this chip. The other Michael Jordan is notorious for using that chip as well. It’s working for both of y’all.
• Jordan: He’s Michael A. I’m Michael B.

At this point, Michael B. Jordan is a well-known public figure in his own right, having starred in high-profile movies and taken his talents behind the camera as a director as well. Sinners (which is streamable with an HBO Max subscription) is definitely the latest feather in his proverbial cap, and it’s emerging as a major contender amid this awards season. On that note, Jordan just landed his first Golden Globe nomination for his performances as twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama.

Unsurprisingly, the always-booked-and-busy Chronicle star has a few projects on the docket now. He directed and starred in a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, and he’s reportedly circling the Miami Vice movie from Joseph Kosinski. Those certainly aren’t small productions. All in all, Michael B. Jordan’s done quite well for himself so, when someone says they want to be like Mike, we may not want to automatically assume they’re talking about Air Jordan.

NBC on NBA and Peacock hired some great, basketball-minded personalities to spearhead its coverage upon its return amid the 2025 TV schedule, like Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. What may have been one of the network’s most surprising moves, though, was hiring Michael Jordan as a “special contributor.” It was later revealed that Jordan’s gig was more specifically a series of pre-taped segments cut from a single, long interview. One of MJ’s old teammates is now reacting to the job and why Jordan is not commentating games live.

Randy Brown is someone who’s more than aware of Michael Jordan’s basketball prowess, as the two were teammates on the Chicago Bulls from 1995 to 2000. It was during that time that the organization notched its second championship three-peat. Brown, a former point guard, conveyed his deep admiration and respect for Jordan while speaking with EsportsBets. However, when it came to the topic of Jordan choosing not to become a live broadcaster, Brown shared his reasoning for why that made sense:

To be honest, early on, a little part of me was hoping “His Airness” would occasionally serve as a studio analyst as part of his NBC job. It gradually became clear that wouldn’t be the case as further details on his gig were revealed. I will say, it makes sense that MJ isn’t joining broadcasts live on a weekly basis, given his packed schedule as a businessman. Plus, as Brown suggests, it may be more invaluable for the hall of famer to share his thoughts on the game of basketball at large as opposed to offering specific critiques.

What viewers do have at this time is called MJ: Insights to Excellence, which TV viewers and Peacock subscription holders can see when they air every so often. Taken from a lengthy sit-down interview NBC’s Mike Tirico conducted with Jordan at some point, these segments see the five-time MVP talk about a variety of subjects pertaining to the NBA and/or his own career, like load-management and intrinsic motivation. Randy Brown is quite pleased with what he’s seen of this discussion thus far:

This may be quite different from what other players-turned-pundits do but, right now, Insights to Excellence, seems to be gaining traction. During the December 2 edition of the series, the Space Jam star talked about the value of players prioritizing a passion for the game over a desire to develop a brand. Check it out:

So Michael Jordan isn’t exactly a broadcasting rival to Charles Barkley or any other former players. Nevertheless, it seems NBC has found a way to utilize him in a way it deems effective and in a manner that works for Jordan. And, as the season goes on, I’m eager to see what other topics the long-argued basketball GOAT discusses.

NBA on NBC's "Coast 2 Coast Tuesday" block begins on the titular night at 8 p.m. ET. Also, after the NFL season ends, fans will be able to see "Sunday Night Basketball."

It’s been a few years now since Chicago Bulls teammates Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen became estranged and involved in a (mostly on-sided) feud. The friendship was officially strained when Pippen expressed discontent with how he and others were portrayed in the Last Dance docuseries, and he hasn’t spoken to Jordan since. Despite that, there are those who would like to see the two hall of famers patch everything up. Now, yet another one of their former teammates is weighing in how he’d love to see the two stars reunite.

Back in January 2024, the Chicago Bulls organization held a Ring of Honor ceremony to celebrate the 1995-1996 team that notched a 72-10 record and won a championship. Just about all of the players on that roster were in attendance as well as head coach Phil Jackson. However, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen skipped the event amid their feud (as did Dennis Rodman), though MJ sent a pre-recorded message. So the event ultimately went on without the three marquee players.

With that, Randy Brown – who played with the Bulls for five years and won three championships with them – thinks another event of sorts should be held to honor the entire team. As the former point guard shared with EsportsBets, he’d not only love for that entire Bulls team to be honored, but he’d also love to see Jordan and Pippen embrace during such an occasion:

Brown sounds quite serious about this, and it seems he’s not backing down from trying to orchestrate a possible reunion between Jordan and Pippen. As for what’s driving his resilience on that front, Brown pointed to some advice His Airness imparted upon him years ago:

Getting such a meetup to happen could be easier said than done, especially considering what’s occurred with the Jordan/Pippen feud thus far. A few years after Pippen critiqued The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription), he called Jordan a “horrible” player. While Pippen has also been complimentary of his former on-court partner’s skills in some respects, he also confirmed this past September that he still isn’t speaking to Jordan.

Still, there are some Bulls alums who still think Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen can reconcile. Horace Grant thinks that it’ll take both men putting their pride aside to end the feud, while Craig Hodges also believes the two men should mend their “little rift.” A few years ago, Dennis Rodman also expressed his belief that Pippen and Jordan would squash their feud. I’m not sure if Randy Brown will be able to help ease the bad blood, but it certainly sounds like he’s going to do what he can.

The NBA on NBC finally returns to the airwaves this week as part of the 2025 TV schedule, and nostalgia and fun are sure to abound. Of course, the block will look a bit different than it did when it aired between the ‘90s and the early 2000s. That’s especially true due to the presence of high-profile analysts and commentators, including Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady and Carmelo Anthony. Obviously, there’s plenty of star power at play here, and play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico has a sweet take on working with all of them.

As a broadcaster, Mike Tirico wears many hats as is, so it’s impressive that he’s also taking on NBA coverage now that the broadcast rights have reverted back to NBC. The team Tirico will be working with is quite robust, to say the least and, as a fan, I find that star-studded crew to be somewhat intimidating. Of course, Tirico has forged great relationships with celebrated athletes. So it probably shouldn’t be surprising that when the veteran sportscaster spoke with Today, he shared glowing thoughts about MJ and co.:

I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall while those sports legends were talking shop, and it’s easy for me to imagine just how much fun it would be to hang out with them. Of course, each of those veterans also brings a wealth of knowledge to the job, given their experiences as players. Tirico touched on that later in his interview, and he also shared a staggering stat pertaining to his new colleagues:

NBC seemingly spared no expense when it came to putting together its lineup of broadcasters with plenty of experience. Recent signee Tracy McGrady, for example, has appeared on multiple networks.. Contributor Grant Hill is also well versed in the art of sports commentary, and fellow NBA on TNT alum Jamal Crawford is insightful as well Overall, what we have is an eclectic mix of personalities, and the full roster can be checked out down below:

• Jamal Crawford (Game Analyst)
• Reggie Miller (Game Analyst)
• Grant Hill (Game Analyst)
• Brad Daugherty (Game Analyst)
• Derek Fisher (Game Analyst)
• Robbie Hummel (Game Analyst)
• Austin Rivers (Game Analyst)
• Brian Scalabrine (Game Analyst)
• Maria Taylor (Studio Host)
• Ahmed Fareed (Studio Host)
• Mike Tirico (Play-By-Play)
• Noah Eagle (Play-By-Play)
• Terry Gannon (Play-By-Play)
• Michael Grady (Play-By-Play)
• Jordan Cornette (Courtside Reporter)
• Ashley ShahAhmadi (Courtside Reporter)
• Zora Stephenson (Courtside Reporter)
• Grant Liffmann (NBA Insider)
• Michael Jordan (Special Contributor)

A lot has especially been said about Michael Jordan’s (Charles Barkley-approved) role as a “special contributor.” Days ago, NBC commentator and former football player Cris Collinsworth teased Jordan’s role, saying that fans would be in for a real treat. Shortly after, the network revealed that Jordan would appear in a series called MJ: Insights to Excellence, which will air throughout basketball season. And, as Collinsworth suggests, the show will offer more than hot takes from the man many argue is the basketball GOAT.

I’m eager to see what Mike Tirico and co. bring to this new era of NBA on NBC and, based on his glowing comments, their chemistry should be on point. The block returns tonight on NBC, with a doubleheader that sees The Houston Rockets facing the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Golden State Warriors playing the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. ET. Also, see the first installment of MJ: Insights into Excellence during halftime of the Houston/OKC game. Games can also be streamed with a Peacock subscription.

This year marks the return of the NBA on NBC, with this iteration of the brand also including games that’ll be available for Peacock subscription holders. For this massive programming endeavor, NBC Sports has recruited a number of great media personalities as play-by-play commentators and in-studio analysts. Surprisingly, Michael Jordan is one of the former players joining the fold and, since his hiring was announced, details on his exact job have been kept under wraps. Now, however, someone is spilling a bit of tea on that front.

It was formally announced this past May that “His Airness” would serve as a “special contributor” for NBC Sports’ NBA coverage. As intriguing as the news was to me, I still found that title to be incredibly ambiguous. Executives may have remained coy on the specifics of Jordan’s gig, but it was only a matter of time before someone let the proverbial cat out of the bag. Former NFL player Cris Collinsworth, who also works for NBC, was asked about Jordan’s job, and he shared some information he probably shouldn’t have:

Well, that’s a serious tease if there ever was one, and color me intrigued. Of course, the former Cincinnati Bengal chose his words wisely when discussing this topic on Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. The show’s eponymous host also got even more details out of Collinsworth. As the three-time Pro Bowler explained (as shown on YouTube), Air Jordan hasn’t simply been hired to dish out stats on analyze developments impacting today’s NBA:

So, based on these comments, it sounds like sports fans aren’t simply in for a highlight segment but a more personalized production that welcomes viewers into Michael Jordan’s world, so to speak. It also seems there’s going to be some levity, as Chris Collinsworth teased that Jordan “busts chops” better than most. The decorated hall of famer’s direct and (sometimes unintentionally) hilarious way of talking about his experiences is one of the reasons why The Last Dance – which is streamable with a Netflix subscription – is so entertaining.

Of course, Michael Jordan isn’t the only primo personality who’s been scooped up by NBC in recent months. Fellow hall of famer Tracy McGrady is joining as an in-studio, while another HoF member, Grant Hill, will serve as a contributor, too. One of Grant’s fellow NBA on TNT alums, Jamal Crawford, is serving as a game analyst as well. Veteran broadcasters Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle along with Carmelo Anthony are also a few of the big names who’ve been tapped to join this team.

When it comes to Jordan’s hiring, I’d still love to hear some more details about what viewers can expect. The information shared by Cris Collinsworth does have me excited, though, and I’m hopeful that Jordan’s new job will end up being a complex, yet entertaining, part of this new wave of basketball coverage.

NBA on NBC and Peacock kicks off on Tuesday, October 21 amid the 2025 TV schedule with a doubleheader. That night, the Houston Rockets will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 ET, while the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers will face off at 10 p.m. ET.

If there are any two athletes within the history of sports that remain synonymous with each other, they’re Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. The pair of basketball hall of famers played alongside each other as members of the Chicago Bulls and, together, they dominated the ‘90s-era NBA. In recent years, details about Jordan and Pippen’s relationship off the court have been revealed and, at this point, the two stars remain estranged. Still, Pippen continues to receive Jordan-related questions, and he has strong feelings about that.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen haven’t played together since the 1997-1998 NBA season, which they capped off with their sixth (and final) championship title. So, needless to say, it’s been some time since the two sports legends were actually teammates. Given their accomplishments and professional histories, though, it’s honestly understandable as to why Pippen continues to be asked about his on-court partner. Despite that, Pippen told EL PAÍS (via Basketball Network) how tired he is of the queries on a numerical scale:

Pippen’s feelings are indeed understandable, considering that he has been linked to “His Airness” for decades at this point. I’d imagine that when it comes to certain subjects, there are only so many times that a person wants to talk things out. Such a level of candidness from Pippen during that interview definitely tracks with his public persona. The Arkansas native is known for not mincing words when discussing certain subjects, and that’s certainly been the case as far as Jordan has been concerned.

In 2021, Scottie Pippen shared blunt thoughts on Michael Jordan, which were related to the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription). Pippen was of the position that Jordan – whose production company had editorial control on the show – disregarded the contributions of his teammates and propped up himself via the series. Since then, the former small forward has continued to lay into Jordan, even calling him a “horrible” player.

The array of comments shared by “Pip” have seemingly broken down the public assumption that he and MJ were close throughout their years as players. During another recent interview, Pippen even doubled down on the fact that he and Jordan don’t talk at this point. Even though they “never were great friends,” Pippen has complimented his ex-teammate on a number of occasions over the last few years and would seemingly agree with the assessment that Jordan is the GOAT.

Such praise still hasn’t translated into any kind of reconciliation between Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, though. At this point, it seems the beloved players will continue to keep their distance from each other. In the meantime, it also feels likely that Pippen will continue to receive questions about his time playing with “Air Jordan.”

It feels as though the debate regarding the basketball GOAT is as old as time itself at this point, and that debate typically involves players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. For years now, there have been fans who’ve called Jordan the best player to ever set foot on the hardwood. However, given James’ accomplishments, some believe the (still-active) NBA veteran now surpasses “His Airness.” Charles Barkley was recently asked if James now sits above Jordan in the rankings, and I loved his cerebral answer.

62-year-old Charles Barkley spoke at the Rowan University Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact. While Barkley was taking questions, a fan asked if “King James” overtakes MJ as the basketball GOAT. The attendee – whose name was ironically, Jordan – based his question on the fact that James is now the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, ranks high in different statistical categories and has played more than 20 seasons among other distinctions. As seen on YouTube, Barkley laid out his answer as follows:

“Sir Charles” is known for dishing out blunt takes on basketball and non-sports-related topics. As funny and animated as he can be when sharing thoughts, Barkley is known to choose his words carefully on some topics. He makes a very good point in that the game is played a lot differently today and that rules have been instituted that have lowered the lack of physicality. As mentioned, The Last Dance (the Chicago Bulls docuseries that’s available with a Netflix subscription) shows how chippy games could get back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. With that, an athlete like Michael Jordan had to be quite strong to impose their will.

Of course, the now-40-year-old LeBron James is a physically imposing presence in his own right and has been highly regarded for how he’s been able to keep himself in shape. When it comes to how James compares to Air Jordan, Charles Barkley simply stated the obvious – that these are two players who competed in “different eras.” However, Barkley also shared his take on how James had an advantage over Jordan:

Barkley, who used to be friends with Michael Jordan, ultimately couldn’t convince the fan as. Because, when the former Phoenix Sun asked if he’d take Jordan, James or the late Kobe Bryant if he had to win a Game 7 matchup, the fan said James.

The ongoing GOAT discussion is honestly very interesting, and everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, of course. I still lean towards Michael Jordan being “the one,” but there are certainly arguments to be made for Lebron James and others. Ironically enough, years ago, Jordan shut down the GOAT talk surrounding him and the likes of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Given the times in which they played in their respective primes, he sees himself as parallel to those two.

More than likely, this debate regarding who’s the best basketball player of all time is likely going to persist. In my humble opinion, though, if it continues to spark positive discussions, including the one Charles Barkley had with the fan, I’m all for it.

Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were one of the most dominant duos on the basketball court and, together, they led the Chicago Bulls to six championship wins during the ‘90s. In recent years, fans have received a bit more insight into the off-court relationship between the two men, with Pippen revealing they “never were great friends.” The hall-of-fame small forward reiterated that sentiment during a recent interview. He also discussed where he now stands with Jordan following the controversy over the docuseries The Last Dance.

For those who aren’t in the know, Scottie Pippen initially claimed he wasn’t upset over the previously mentioned ESPN limited series, which Michael Jordan’s media company had editorial control over. However, Pippen later shared blunt thoughts on the Emmy-winning, 10-part show in his 2021 memoir, Unguarded, and proceeded to bash Jordan. Pippen shared more tempered thoughts on his former teammate (as well as their coach, Phil Jackson) when he sat down with Marca to discuss the game of basketball:

Pippen previously accused MJ of using his company’s editorial control to make the doc more about himself and not as much about his teammates. A while later, Pippen called Jordan a “horrible” player, who has supposedly had a negative impact on the way basketball is now played. Many have since criticized the Arkansas native’s remarks, including Charles Barkley, who accused Pippen of “big-game hunting” to sell his book. Before his death, even Jerry West also expressed disapproval and confusion over the critiques.

Despite the negative comments he shared, Scottie Pippen also praised His Airness on multiple occasions. In 2022, Pippen was asked if he’d ever play with Michael Jordan again, and he flat-out said he would play “with only” Jordan. Pippen complimented Jordan again in early 2024 when he mentioned the five NBA MVP awards he won over the course of his career. While Pippen said it “was all brought about from us being successful as a team,” he also admitted Jordan was the “greatest player” in basketball.

The Jordan/Pippen relationship remains on the rocks, though, based on the latter’s recent comments. All the while, other people have expressed their hope that the two men might find some common ground and reconcile. One of their former teammates, Craig Hodges, shared such sentiments, as he reasoned that everyone is now “too grown for that shit.” Fellow Bulls alum Dennis Rodman also expressed hope that his two former on-court partners would bury the hatchet.

As time continues to pass, my optimism over the chances of Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan making amends dwindles. More surprising developments have unfolded, though, and a kumbaya moment may not be totally out of the question. But, for now, it seems Jordan and Pippen – two of the 75 greatest basketball players of all time – will remain estranged.

Those who’d like to see the formidable Chicago Bulls duo at their best can check out The Last Dance. A Netflix subscription is what’s needed in order to stream the production

While Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were once one of the most feared duos in the NBA, their off-court relationship has since fizzled out. Pippen and Jordan have been engaged in a (mostly one-sided) feud for several years now. That spat was set in motion after Pippen revealed his feelings about the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription). It’s hard to say if Jordan and Pippen will ever reconcile but, all the while, one of their ex-teammates has a take on how it could happen.

The latest Chicago Bulls alum to share thoughts on the Jordan/Pippen feud is Horace Grant, who not only played with the duo but also won three championships with them between 1991 and 1993. Pippen and Jordan’s relationship came up during Grant’s appearance on the Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast, which is co-hosted by fellow Bulls alum Stacey King. When asked what it would take for the two hall of famers to get on good terms again, Grant opined that both would have to move past their pride:

Based on Horace Grant’s comments (which are on YouTube), the NBA All Star would like to see his teammates put all of the drama behind him. Grant further emphasized his point as the interview went on, as he made mention of all that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen accomplished together during their days as players. (That included a whopping six championships.) It’s likely that Grant isn’t the only person who feels this way, as surely there are fans who’d love to see the basketball icons patch everything up.

The Pippen/Jordan feud began in earnest when the latter criticized The Last Dance (which Grant also disliked) and blasted his teammate for allegedly using his production company’s creative control on the doc to make himself look good. Since then, Pippen has thrown shade at Jordan on a number of occasions, even going as far as calling him a “horrible” player. Jordan has not spoken ill of his ex-teammate in public since then though, as far as the public knows, he hasn’t made attempts to reach out to Pippen.

A number of Bulls teammates have since spoken out about the feud, with one being Dennis Rodman. In 2023, Rodman expressed his belief that his buddies would eventually squash their beef. However, in 2022, fellow Chicago Bulls alum Charles Oakley declared that friendship was “over” and claimed it “wasn't great from the get-go.” Meanwhile, another former Chicago player, Bill Cartwright, called the whole situation “nonsense” earlier this year, given that the two players were still dwelling on something that happened decades ago.

Considering where everything stands right now, a “kumbaya” moment of sorts doesn’t seem to be in the cards for either Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen at this point. There’s always the chance that some force manages to bring them together. Whether that would be a natural change of heart and removal of pride (as Horace Grant suggests) is anyone’s guess.

It’s still hard for me to believe it’s already been over five years since The Last Dance – ESPN’s 10-part docuseries on the ‘90s-era Chicago Bulls – hit the airwaves. A hit amid the COVID lockdown, Jason Hehir’s documentary earned acclaim from critics and fans and even won a Primetime Emmy. However, the show also drew the ire of some former Bulls players, who felt they were either unfairly depicted or not featured enough. Horace Grant expressed his disdain early on, and it seems he still has less-than-stellar thoughts now.

Horace Grant was drafted by the Bulls in 1987 and ultimately played for the organization until he left to join the Orlando Magic in 1994. During his time in Chicago, Grant was part of the Bulls’ three, consecutive championship runs between 1991 and 1993. So, considering his place in the NBA franchise’s history, it made perfect sense for Grant to appear in The Last Dance. However, as the former player himself revealed on former teammate Stacey King’s Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast, he almost didn’t join the project:

During the interview (which is on YouTube), the three-time NBA champion went on to say that he only participated in the documentary as a favor to a friend. Grant ultimately wasn’t too pleased with the way the project turned out. More specifically, Grant took issue with Michael Jordan’s claims that he leaked locker room information to journalist Sam Smith, who would go on to write a much-discussed book in 1991, The Jordan Rules. Grant shared more critiques during his recent interview, as he took aim at how the show was edited:

The initial responses from Bulls players were somewhat mixed, with Steve Kerr sharing a more positive take on the show. However, Kerr’s view does match up with Horace Grant’s and Stacey King’s in one respect, as they all weren’t pleased with how ex-teammate Scottie Pippen was portrayed. The doc puts emphasis on Pippen’s decision to delay off-season surgery on his foot so that his summer wouldn’t be impacted. Some believe the doc makes Pippen out to be selfish, and Grant believes it doesn’t do his old friend justice:

Scottie Pippen himself initially claimed he had no problem with the docuseries. However, he later skewered the documentary and Michael Jordan in his memoir, Unguarded. Pippen contended that because Michael Jordan’s media company had final say editorially, Jordan used the doc to “uplift” himself and not give others their deserved credit. Since then, Jordan and Pippen have been estranged. In that time, CinemaBlend also spoke with Last Dance producer Jake Rogal, who felt “bad” about the situation and said he believed Pippen was made to look like a “hero.”

Horace Grant’s latest comments as well as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s continued estrangement seem to suggest that sometimes time doesn’t heal all wounds. In any case, though, everyone is entitled to their thoughts on The Last Dance. Fans can form their own opinions on the doc by streaming it with a Netflix subscription.

The debate about who’s the greatest of all time (or GOAT) among basketball players typically comes down to two specific people: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Clearly, both of them are legends and have had their respective impacts on the game. However, not everyone sees eye to eye on how “His Airness” and “King James” stack up against each other. I’m personally of the belief that Jordan is the one, and it seems Dennis Rodman is of that thinking, too. But there’s another legend Rodman gives credit to as well.

It’s no secret that Dennis Rodman has a major connection to Michael Jordan, as the two were teammates while playing for the Chicago Bulls. So Rodman had a front-row seat to Jordan’s iconic performances on the court. The hall of famer known as “The Worm” was recently asked about his ex-teammate and LeBron James while appearing on N3ON’s recent livestream, which is on YouTube. A fan specifically asked Rodman for his thoughts on Jordan or James being the greatest of all time, and he didn’t hesitate when answering:

The former Detroit Piston definitely isn’t the first person to have named “Air Jordan” the best of all time, and that’s completely understandable. Throughout his storied career, Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA Finals between 1991 and 1998, and the teams emerged victorious every time. On top of that, Jordan earned other accolades like five league MVP awards, 14 All-Star team selections, 10 All-NBA First Team selections and more. So it’s perfectly reasonable for Jordan to be tagged with such a major distinction.

I love that Dennis Rodman has no problem showering praise on players, and that especially appears to be true with those who competed with. Several years back, Rodman hyped up Scottie Pippen – another Bulls teammate – who he views as a friend. (Rodman has also expressed hope that Jordan and Pippen will reconcile after their feud.) All of that aside, though, Rodman also believes a certain Los Angeles Lakers icon should also be in the GOAT discussion alongside Jordan and LeBron James:

The late Kobe Bryant is still highly regarded as one of the most talented athletes to ever pick up a basketball. Bryant’s list of accolades includes five championship titles, 18 All-Star appearances and an MVP title among other honors. Despite all of that, I’d argue that Bryant – who was famously known as “The Black Mamba” – isn’t brought up within the GOAT conversation as often as he should be. While Rodman previously opined that Air Jordan was more driven than Bryant, his GOAT point still stands.

Of course, LeBron James does indeed deserve his flowers as well, given the championships, MVP awards and All-Star appearances he’s racked up. James is also the highest-scoring player in NBA history, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Still, I have to give the edge to Michael Jordan, as I think he had a unique mentality that helped push him beyond his peers. Dennis Rodman clearly recognizes Jordan’s skills, and I know he and I aren’t the only ones.

Hear more from Dennis Rodman as well as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and more by streaming the ESPN docuseries The Last Dance. The 10-part saga is available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

This fall, sports fans will see the return of NBA on NBC amid the 2025 TV schedule, and the network’s execs making the necessary preparations. As part of those plans, a strong roster of broadcasters is being assembled for the company’s coverage. I’ve liked all the talent pickups thus far, though I was particularly surprised and excited to learn that Michael Jordan would be joining as a special contributor. Now, I’m also hyped to see that another famous, former player has been hired to serve as an analyst.

NBA fans who are also children of the 2000s (like me) likely watched Tracy McGrady dominate on the basketball court during the early aughts. The beloved shooting guard has forged a path for himself as a broadcaster since his retirement in 2013. Now, “T-Mac” is taking his talents to NBC, as the network confirmed that he’ll serve as a studio analyst for its professional b-ball coverage. McGrady marked the occasion by sharing (via a press release) a statement, with which he conveyed his gratitude and excitement for the gig:

Tracy McGrady holds more than a few key athletic distinctions in addition to being a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The now-46-year-old sports legend is also a seven-time NBA All-Star and is the recipient of seven All-NBA selections. McGrady also earned the aforementioned league’s scoring title in both 2003 and 2004. In terms of sports punditry, McGrady has appeared on Inside the NBA and First Take, and he’s made guest appearances on various podcasts.

Seriously, NBC is going all out when it comes to their NBA coverage for the coming season. Having watched the aforementioned Houston Rockets veteran on screen myself, I can say that he certainly has excellent screen presence and should be a strong addition to the broadcasting team. Speaking of which, he and “Air Jordan” will be joined by a few other former players as well as some seasoned ESPN and TNT alums. Check out how’s on the roster, as of this writing:

• Jamal Crawford - Game Analyst
• Maria Taylor - Studio Host
• Carmelo Anthony - Studio Analyst
• Reggie Miller - Game Analyst
• Mike Tirico - Play-By-Play Analyst
• Vince Carter - Studio Analyst
• Noah Eagle - Play-By-Play Analyst
• Tracy McGrady - Studio Analyst
• Ahmed Fareed - Studio Host
• Michael Jordan - Special Contributor

That’s a dream team (sorry, couldn’t resist) if there ever was one. What I still can’t wrap my head around, though, is the fact that big brass was able to convince the notoriously pirate Michael Jordan to join the company. Even fellow broadcaster Charles Barkley is looking forward to Jordan’s debut with the Peacock network. Of course, it remains to be seen exactly how big the (much-debated) basketball GOAT’s role will be. I’m still confident, however, that he won’t just be popping in for brief segments.

On that note, I’ll give yet another thumbs up to NBC for landing another excellent, on-camera personality in Tracy McGrady. I look forward to watching him, MJ and more when the NBA returns to NBC this fall. Peacock subscription holders should also be aware that games and coverage will be available to them as well.

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan aren’t friends anymore, but the former doesn’t hesitate to give his former pal credit wherever it’s due. The past several years have seen Barkley not only talk up Jordan’s skills on the basketball court but also defend him from Scottie Pippen’s criticisms. His Airness came up during another discussion that Barkley had just recently. Interestingly enough, the conversation prompted the Round Mound of Rebound to recall the moment he had to admit to himself that Jordan was the better player.

Although it’s been said that Charles Barkley’s co-workers would get nervous over his appearances on The Dan Patrick Show, I love them. That’s because the outspoken Barkley won’t hesitate to share brutally honest takes on his broadcasting career, NBA tenure, personal life and more. During Barkley’s latest interview on the show (which is available on YouTube), he admitted to Patrick that, years ago, he thought he was better than Larry Bird, MJ and more. His thoughts on Jordan changed, however, after a certain event in 1993:

The ‘90s was a golden age for the NBA, as various teams were led by dominant players. Michael Jordan and the Bulls truly emerged during that decade, and the Suns became a true force after Charles Barkley joined them in 1992. At the time, Barkley was eager to prove that he was the best player in the world and, as he said during the interview, he predicted to his teammates at training camp that they would meet the Bulls in the Finals. Of course, that happened but not as Barkley assumed it would:

Over the years, Charles Barkley has discussed the 1993 NBA Finals on other occasions. He also talked about that postseason series during the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription). Barkley later admitted that he enjoyed watching the Emmy-winning show but said that reliving his team’s loss in the Finals brought up a “bad memory” for him. Nevertheless, he gave the Bulls credit for the work.

It’s honestly a shame that the Jordan/Barkley friendship is over, and I really feel that way whenever Barkley shares positive thoughts about his old buddy. Nevertheless, Barkley doesn’t seem keen on mending fences, given that he himself – by his own admission – is stubborn. Sports journalist Michael Wilbon is supposedly in charge of bringing Barkley and Jordan together again, but I’m not sure that’ll happen. In the meantime, I just appreciate the level of respect that Barkley has for his ex-comrade’s basketball-playing skills.

Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were fierce competitors when they faced off against each other in various NBA games during the ‘90s. However, the two also developed a close friendship, which resulted in some very funny, off-court moments. That bond endured for some time, though the two basketball hall of famers eventually had a falling-out. Barkley and Jordan remain estranged to this day, but it seems there’s at least one person who seems keen on reuniting the pair – and it’s a sports analyst.

Not too many sports journalists are as respected as Michael Wilbon is, and there’s a good reason for that. For about 40 years now, Wilbon has been a trusted source for news and has been highly regarded for his cerebral takes on sports-related topics. Wilbon also keeps a cool head when discussing basketball and more. So, when he appeared on the Pablo Torres Finds Out podcast (via X), the titular host expressed a sense of surprise that Wilbon had yet to help the two Dream Team members mend fences. Wilbon then provided a response:

Based on the way in which Pablo Torres and co. mentioned that “job,” it’s hard not to get the feeling that Wilbon’s been on this for a while. I do my best to keep up with developments within the basketball world but, if this goal was assigned to the Pardon the Interruption co-host a while ago, I’m not sure how I remained out of the loop. Regardless, I can appreciate the broadcaster’s commitment to wanting to bring the two NBA legends together again. Of course, that could be easier said than done.

Charles Barkley previously explained that he lost his friendship with Michael Jordan after he suggested to his longtime friend that he needed to “put better people around him.” In short, Barkley believed that Jordan should surround himself with people who would be honest with him and not sugar coat anything given the luxuries he could possibly offer them. The Round Mound of Rebound did say he still loved MJ “like a brother” but that they couldn’t reconcile because they’re both “stubborn.” To that end, when asked if he and Jordan would ever repair their friendship, Barkley said, “He’s got my number.”

Still, Sir Charles has praised and defended his former friend on a number of occasions in recent years. When Scottie Pippen chastised Air Jordan after ESPN’s The Last Dance, Barkley took him to task for “big-game hunting” in order to sell his memoir, Unguarded. In regard to that same docuseries (which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription), Barkley noted how it showed Jordan and the Bulls’ resilience as they won championships, even though Barkley’s loss to them in the ‘93 NBA Finals signifies a “bad memory.”

More recently, the Inside the NBA co-host also shared positive thoughts on Michael Jordan joining NBC’s NBA coverage this coming fall. On top of that, Barkley doesn’t believe he and Jordan are now broadcasting “rivals” now because, ultimately, they’re both just promoting the game of basketball. If you ask me, it sounds like Barkley doesn’t hold any ill will towards his old buddy.

However, for any kind of Jordan/Barkley friendship to be reforged, one of them has to make the first movie, and it doesn’t seem like either is keen on doing so. Considering that, maybe someone as calm, cool and collected as Michael Wilbon could reunite these two pals. Who knows if it’ll actually happen, but it would be great to see.

The sports broadcasting landscape is going through yet another change, as NBC is making a comeback when it comes to NBA content. After regaining the broadcast rights to the professional basketball league, the aforementioned network is reviving NBA on NBC (and Peacock). With that, network execs are building a robust roster of broadcasters to help with coverage, and they’ve even lured sports legend Michael Jordan into the fold. Now, Jordan’s former friend, Charles Barkley, is weighing in on him becoming a broadcaster.

What Did Charles Barkley Say About Michael Jordan Joining NBC?

Charles Barkley has been in the sports media business for some time now, as he’s co-anchored fan-favorite show Inside the NBA since 2000. So the “Round Mound of Rebound” certainly knows a thing or two about being a broadcaster. The Daily Mail caught up with Barkley, during which he was asked for his thoughts on “Air Jordan” making the jump to the TV business. Overall, it would seem that Barkley is ecstatic about this turn of events:

Michael Jordan’s decision to join the Peacock network as a “special contributor” at the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season does come as a bit of a surprise. While Jordan did take part in the Emmy-winning 2020 docuseries, The Last Dance (which is available to Netflix subscription holders), he has mostly sought privacy during his post-playing years. I’m still eager to see what he brings to the table as an analyst, though, just like Charles Barkley. As for whether this TV gig sparks a new rivalry of sorts for them, Barkley has this to say:

That’s a refreshing take, and “Sir Charles” is certainly right about that. At the end of the day, the NBA broadcasters on the various networks are working to provide accurate and entertaining coverage. Barkley and his crew at Inside have been seeking to do that for years now (and they certainly know how to entertain viewers). Their work situation will look a bit different this fall, though, given the corporate changes that have impacted the long-running talk show.

How Is Inside The NBA Going To Be Different During The Upcoming Basketball Season?

For much of 2024, it seemed that Inside the NBA would be cancelled due to TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, losing the broadcast rights to the eponymous sports league. The situation turned around, however, when TNT Sports and ESPN struck a historic deal that would allow the show to be licensed out to the latter network. While that announcement was accompanied by some excitement, some pundits have expressed concerns over the move.

Charles Barkley has been waiting for specific details on his work schedule, given that he and co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal are reportedly going to be covering more games. Another word of caution came from Bill Simmons, as the veteran sports journalist believes the show’s dialogue-driven format will suffer due to ESPN’s commercial-heavy broadcasts. Nevertheless, network president Jimmy Pitaro seems confident that with Inside’s four hosts still in the fray, the series will continue to thrive.

As a longtime fan of Inside the NBA, I’m hopeful that the show’s will quality will hold up amid this new era. It’d be a shame if Charles Barkley and co. aren’t able to continue to do the work that’s made them popular for so long. On that same token, I’m hopeful that Michael Jordan is in a position to effectively deliver his unique perspectives on NBC and emerges as a must-see personality like Barkley. In the meantime, grab a Peacock subscription, so you’ll be able to stream Jordan’s coverage when it begins this fall.

One of the reasons that the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has been of such interest is that the accusations surround activities that allegedly took place alongside some of the massive celebrity-filled parties that Diddy was known for throwing. With that being the case, many have expected the names of celebs to feature during the trial, but that’s not happening in the way we’ve expected, as Michael Jordan and two other NBA legends were recently namechecked in testimony in an unexpected way.

The focus of the latest week of testimonies has centered on the accuser using the pseudonym “Jane,” an ex-girlfriend of Diddy’s who has claimed to have direct knowledge of the alleged “freak off” parties that are the focus of the sexual assault and racketeering charges he's facing. One of the more unusual revelations to surface surrounds the nicknames that Diddy allegedly used for himself, Jane, and a male escort that Jane says she regularly had sex with at Diddy’s request.

How Michael Jordan’s Name Came Up At Diddy’s Trial

According to Jane (via the Daily Mail), Diddy would call the three of them the “trifecta,” and also used NBA stars as inspiration for nicknames for the three of them. Diddy himself was Michael Jordan, Jane was Kobe Bryant, while the escort was called Shaq.

The Daily Mail acquired images of Kobe Bryant attending Diddy’s 50th birthday party in 2020, while also noting that the rapper performed at a Super Bowl weekend event that same year, which was hosted by Shaq. So it appears that two of the three NBA stars mentioned ran in the same circles as Diddy.

However, whether Diddy and Michael Jordan knew each other is unclear. The primary NBA player whose name has come up in association with Diddy is Lebron James, though there have been no accusations of wrongdoing where that athlete is concerned, either.

How Other Celebrities Have Factored Into Diddy’s Trial

This isn’t the first time that a celebrity’s name has appeared at Diddy’s trial in an unusual way. Eyebrows were raised earlier in the trial when Brad Pitt’s name came up during testimony. However, Pitt has never attended one of Diddy’s parties. The actor was mentioned due to an incident with Diddy and then girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at the Cannes Film Festival, during the premiere of one of Pitt’s movies.

The biggest name to testify in court, outside of Cassie Ventura herself, is rapper Kid Cudi. Cudi testified regarding the firebombing of his car in 2012. The rapper believes Diddy orchestrated the attack due to the fact that Cudi had been dating Ventua at the time.

Considering the celebrities that are known to have been associated with Diddy, it’s likely we’ll be hearing even more famous names as the trial continues. However, as this shows, being referenced in court certainly is not an indication of any wrongdoing.

There have been some awesome director and actor pairings over the years, like Martin Scorsese & Robert De Niro, Spike Lee & Denzel Washington and Greta Gerwig & Saoirse Ronan. A pair of collaborators who’ve emerged as power players over the past decade or so are Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. Since 2013, the two have made five films together, with each one receiving varying levels of praise. Their latest flick is the critically acclaimed Sinners and, on the heels of that Coogler is opening up about his relationship with Jordan.

Very few creatives manage to forge a special bond like Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s. Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Sinners make up quite a streak. So what’s the key to the firm partnership between the two men? Coogler discussed that during an interview with BallisLife (which is available on YouTube). When asked if he and Jordan have a player-coach dynamic, Coogler likened it to that of two iconic NBA players:

Few basketball duos are as iconic as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, as the two athletes dominated the NBA in the ‘90s, during which they won six championships. Considering how impactful they were within the sports world, I think it’s definitely appropriate to compare them to the always-sharp Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. Sure, Jordan and Coogler don’t have six championship titles to show for their work. What they do possess, though, are five critically acclaimed films and a slew of impressive box office receipts.

As a professional basketball fan, I really dig the Oakland native’s reference to the Chicago Bulls icons and hall of farmers. What I really love to hear, though, is the love that Ryan Coogler has for his frequent collaborator. Later in his interview, Coogler shared more thoughts on how he and his creative partner are similar and the way in which that manifests on their sets:

If you ask me, that’s an ideal way to work and, by the looks of it, that methodology certainly yields incredible results. Most recently, Sinners has proven to be a box office anomaly, and it’s also penetrated the cultural zeitgeist in a way that only a few movies can. The film could ultimately prove to be quite profitable for Ryan Coogler, though his recent interviews appear to suggest that he’s just happy his genre-bending film is connecting with the general public.

I’m hopeful that Sinners continues to reach audiences and of course, that the Coogler/Jordan partnership continues to flourish as time goes on. They have a level of camaraderie that’s vital to a successful collaboration and, as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen dominated on the court, I’m confident that Jordan and Coogler will have that level of success in Hollywood. In the meantime, check out the filmmakers’ vampire thriller film, which is now playing in theaters alongside other titles from the 2025 movie schedule.

At this point, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s (one-sided) feud has persisted for a few years. The rift was formed due to the docuseries The Last Dance (streamable with a Netflix subscription), which Pippen claims Jordan used to elevate himself and not give other Chicago Bulls teammates their due credit. Since then, various other NBA veterans have weighed in on the pair’s estranged relationship, with some voicing disapproval. Now, another one of their teammates is weighing in on the matter with some measured sentiments.

Bill Cartwright played with the aforementioned duo from 1988 to 1994 as a member of the Bulls and, during that time, the team won three consecutive championships. A former center, known for his dependability, Cartwright has since become an author, and he recently wrote a book, Living Life at the Center. He met up with TMZ Sports to discuss his new memoir, and the rift between his former teammates was mentioned. Based on his comments, Cartwright hasn’t gotten bogged down in the drama but still cares for his colleagues:

It sounds like Bill Cartwright, who was also an assistant coach for the Bulls when they won titles in ‘97 and ‘98, is aiming to dwell on more positive thoughts. Given he possesses that mindset, he was asked if there was some way that he could personally try to help his former teammates mend their relationship. Cartwright doesn’t seem keen on doing that, but he also added some more level-headed thoughts:

The comments above actually parallel some that were made by another Bulls teammate, Craig Hodges, just a few weeks ago. Hodges surmised that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s relationship really changed due to the latter also being named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary team. In addition to that, he expressed his hope that Pippen and Jordan would work everything out and added that “we too grown for that shit.”

Over the last several years, other Chicago Bulls players have weighed in on the beef as well. Dennis Rodman chimed in and, while he seemed surprised by the notion of friction between his on-court cohorts, he believed they’d reconcile. However, Charles Oakley offered a grim perspective, as he bluntly opined that any kind of bond that MJ and Pip had is “over.”

Scottie Pippen said, earlier this year, that he and Michael Jordan actually “never were great friends.” Still, fans may wish that whatever issues they may have can be resolved. It’s hard to say whether that’ll actually come to pass, but maybe we ought to (figuratively) take a page out of Bill Cartwright’s book and remain positive about the whole situation.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen have apparently been on the outs over the past several years. A few years ago, Pippen shared some blunt critiques of his Chicago Bulls cohort and continued to drop brutally honest takes on MJ and his impact on the game of basketball. Other veteran players have since weighed in on the matter, sharing their thoughts not only on Pippen and Jordan’s skills but the chances of a reconciliation. With that, fellow Bulls alum Craig Hodges believes one detail changed the dynamics between his teammates.

Former shooting/point guard Craig Hodges is one of the many players to have shared the court with Air Jordan and “Pip” during their days with the Chicago Bulls. Hodges played for the team for four seasons, winning the championship titles with the squad in 1991 and 1992. During an episode of All the Smoke, Hodges was asked about the relationship between his former teammates. He subsequently theorized (as shared in an X clip) that their dynamic changed when a certain distinction was awarded to a number of players years ago:

In 1996, the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (as part of the league’s 50th anniversary) were announced, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen being named amongst their ranks. The two were subsequently named to the 75th anniversary team in 2021 as well. What Craig Hodges is inferring is that once Pippen was named amongst the all-time greats, his confidence increased, and that apparently changed the big brother, little brother dynamic he seemingly had with Jordan on the court.

The two Dream Team members definitely don’t seem to have any kind of sibling-like relationship now. In 2021, Scottie Pippen blasted his former colleague over the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription). He accused His Airness, whose production company had editorial control, of using the doc to “uplift” himself and not give other players the credit they deserved. Pippen also said his ex-teammate “ruined” the game of basketball and a few years later, called him a “horrible” player as well.

The former small forward has since received backlash for his comments, with Charles Barkley criticizing him for “big-game hunting” by taking those shots at MJ in his memoir, Unguarded. Late NBA legend Jerry West also questioned the critiques, wondering why the Arkansas native was “bothering” to feud with his old teammate. As for whether the two might reconcile, fellow Bulls alum Charles Oakley thinks it won’t happen. Craig Hodges remains hopeful, though:

Scottie Pippen previously said he and Michael Jordan “never were great friends” and, at this point, the chances of them finding some common ground does admittedly seem slim. However, perhaps something could bring the two back together, regardless of the kinds of variables factoring into their relationship.

Marcus Jordan, the media personality and former college basketball player, just made headlines following a brush with the law. The 34-year-old was arrested earlier this month and was arrested for DUI, drug possession and resisting arrest. After the incident, Jordan entered a not guilty plea and, as of this writing, he has thanked those who reached out after his arrest. Someone who’s yet to speak out on the matter as the man’s father, Michael Jordan. However, an insider is now sharing claims regarding the legendary athlete’s feelings.

According to this latest report, Michael Jordan isn’t too happy about his son’s legal trouble. A source tells RadarOnline.com that the Chicago Bulls icon is “beside himself,” specifically over the fact that Marcus was found to have drugs in his possession. The unnamed individual claims that His Airness has a general disdain for drugs in general and, supposedly, that stems from what he experienced as an NBA player:

On February 4, Marcus Jordan was arrested while in Orange County, Florida and, according to local authorities, he’d parked his SUV (which had bumper damage) on railroad tracks at the time. Police say that Jordan smelled of alcohol and eventually failed three field sobriety tests. As captured with bodycam footage, Jordan allegedly tried to tell the cops who his famous father was. He was arrested for DUI crash with property damage, possession of cocaine and resisting an officer without violence. Hours later, he was released from custody on a $4,000 bond.

It’s important to note that this week, TMZ Sports reported that the white substance that the former podcaster had actually turned out to be ketamine (which contributed to Matthew Perry’s death in 2023). This new development could lessen the severity of the former athlete’s situation, as ketamine is a Schedule III drug in Florida, while cocaine is Schedule II.

Michael Jordan’s alleged thoughts should be taken with a grain of salt, though it would be accurate to say that he was in proximity to drugs when he was in the NBA. He explained in the docuseries The Last Dance (which is available with a Netflix subscription), after being asked about the Bulls being referred to as the “traveling cocaine circus” around the time he was drafted. Jordan specifically recalled entering a room, in which players were indulging in lines, weed and women. With that, he recalled deciding to exit the situation, as he reasoned that he’d be culpable if the place was raided.

When it comes to the younger Jordan, he’s garnered attention for his relationship with Larsa Pippen, who he dated from 2022 to 2024. The two also appeared together on the hit reality TV show The Traitors, during which they secretly communicated during filming. During their romance, Michael went viral for seemingly expressing disapproval of it, yet Marcus later clarified that his father was only joking when a reporter questioned him about it.

As of this writing, Florida authorities have yet to provide any further information on Marcus Jordan’s DUI situation. That aside, one can only speculate as to if or how Marcus and Michael Jordan have discussed the arrest amongst themselves.

LaVar Ball will go down as one of the NBA's most interesting personalities as a father who called his shot and landed all three of his sons in the league. The combined success of sons Lamelo, Lonzo, and Liangelo has propelled Ball's own fame, which is why so many were concerned after a medical emergency resulted in his recent foot amputation. No one would've blamed him for shying away from the spotlight, but in typical LaVar fashion, he offered up the boisterous boast that he can still dominate Michael Jordan on the basketball court..

While Michael Jordan says he's on "parallel ground" with other NBA greats, readers don't need to watch The Last Dance (streamble with a Netflix subscription) to know he's generally considered one of the GOATs in all of sports. That said, LaVar Ball has long maintained the distinction is only relevant to traditional team basketball, and that if they played one-on-one, he'd win. He still believes this, according to a recent video posted after losing his foot. Check it out:

You have to admire the man's confidence and optimism. When someone like Scottie Pippen says he could've won six championships without Michael Jordan, the reaction is largely one of anger. When Lavar Ball says he'd give Jordan 70 points and a holler even without a foot? Hell, I don't only admire the confidence, I'm rooting for him to do it.

For those previously unaware, LaVar Ball has claimed relatively frequently over the years that he'd beat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one capacity, with some of his comments going viral during a heated conversation with Stephen A. Smith on First Take. His response, "Never lost," became a meme in the sports world, and a phrase commonly used anytime Ball is in the news.

Here's where the story gets layered. Word eventually reached Michael Jordan that LaVar Ball was saying he'd beat him in one-on-one, and a child at a camp he was attending in 2017 wanted the former Space Jam star's thoughts on that. The former player smiled and said the following:

I mean, what are the odds he'd use that phrasing only to NOT have it become a reality one day? To beat a healthy Michael Jordan (despite rumors about his health) after losing a leg would be a legendary feat, even if neither is in their prime, and would only solidify Ball's status as one of the most mystical figures surrounding the NBA. I'm on board to see it, but that may be because I'm already conditioned to watching bizarre matchups after Mike Tyson's painfully predictable loss to Jake Paul.

We at CinemaBlend continue to work with LaVar Ball as he rests, recovers, and continues entertaining the masses. If this matchup between him and Jordan ever comes to pass, I'll be the first to buy a ticket.

When it comes to legendary athletes, few are as imposing as Michael Jordan. The sports icon was an absolute force to be reckoned with, leading the Chicago Bulls to multiple NBA Finals wins and collecting plenty of individual accolades. In the process of doing that, Jordan also earned the respect of many of his various opponents. The Magic Johnson-led Lakers of the ‘80s and early ‘90s were among the squads he did battle against, and one of the Los Angeles-based team’s veterans recalled playing against the trash-talking Jordan.

Byron Scott played in the NBA from 1983 to 1997, with eleven of those seasons having been spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. So he had plenty of opportunities to play against Air Jordan during his prime. A three-time champion, Scott recently discussed his career during an episode of All The Smoke podcast (that was shared on YouTube). The chat eventually turned to MJ, who the player-turned-coach commended for his skills. Scott’s comments also suggest he did his best not to rile up the Bulls shooting guard before a given game:

At this point, the former NBA Coach of the Year is far from the first ex-player to talk up Michael Jordan’s abilities. Magic Johnson also sang Jordan’s praises, hailing him as the “strongest” athlete he’s ever seen due to the sheer amount of energy he had. Shaquille O’Neal also admitted to being “terrified” of Jordan when playing him early in his career. Also, former Bulls player Scottie Pippen has been feuding with MJ in recent years, but even he’s talked up his skills at times and said he’d still play with Jordan if given another chance.

What many would argue gave that Space Jam star his edge was his competitive nature. He didn’t back down from a challenge, and he didn’t mind speaking his mind when chatting with a fellow player. To that point, Byron Scott also shared a story during his interview. Scott recalled a time from his first stint with the Lakers, at which time he was injured and could play in the game (and serve as MJ’s matchup). When his Airness learned of Scott’s unavailability, he shared a chuckle-worthy take:

The former Nets coach tried to advise Anthony Peeler on how to best play Michael Jordan, yet that didn’t make much of a difference. As Byron Scott recalled, Jordan went on to score 54 points in that particular game. Not only that but, every time MJ scored, he apparently looked over at the smirking Byron Scott on the bench. Let it be known that Jordan was fearless, and his mentality was analyzed in ESPN’s The Last Dance (which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription).

Of course, there’s still an argument regarding whether the Jordan Brand founder stands above the NBA’s GOATs. He himself addressed that years ago when asked by a journalist. At that time, Jordan didn't see himself as the GOAT, as he didn’t feel he could aptly compare himself to the likes of Magic Johnson or Larry Bird since they were in different stages of their careers when they played. Despite that, many still argue Jordan is “the one” and, when you hear comments like the ones from Byron Scott and more, it’s not hard to understand why.

Scottie Pippen has been making waves within the basketball world over the past few years. That’s been due to the pointed statements the former Chicago Bull has made about his ex-teammate, Michael Jordan. Aside from claiming Jordan ruined the game of basketball, Pippen also called him a “horrible” player. During a recent interview, “Pip” also claimed that neither Jordan nor LeBron James could be considered the NBA’s GOAT, as that title should go to Magic Johnson. Those remarks garnered an honest response from Carmelo Anthony.

The now-59-year-old, seven-time All-Star was recently a guest of Valuetainment Media’s Patrick Bet-David. During the chat, the former athlete spoke extensively about Michael Jordan, saying they “never were great friends” and that he would still win six championships without His Airness. While on the topic of titles, he voiced his take on Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ position in the pantheon of GOATS. Carmelo Anthony isn’t buying it, though, based on the appeal he made on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast (which is on YouTube):

In 2021, Scottie Pippen revealed he wasn’t happy with The Last Dance – ESPN’s 10-part docuseries on the Chicago Bulls, which Michael Jordan’s production company had creative control over. Pippen claimed Jordan used the doc (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription) to elevate himself. From there, Pippen has critiqued his ex-comrade in different ways, even airing many of his views in his memoir, Unguarded. Interestingly enough, Pippen still said he’d play with Jordan again if given the opportunity.

The hall of famer’s supposed lack of consistency, as far as his views are concerned, is what seems to have Carmelo Anthony annoyed. He argues that Scottie Pippen’s take on GOATS fluctuates based on the conversations he’s engaged in. As for his feelings on Pippen not giving due to credit to his friend, LeBron James, the former Denver Nugget had blunt thoughts to share:

Scottie Pippen’s recent comments also drew the attention of Draymond Green. While he wasn’t as blunt as Carmelo Anthony, Green did question Pippen’s statements and theorized that he has unresolved personal issues with Michael Jordan. The last few years have seen others weigh in on Pippen’s critiques of Jordan as well. Charles Barkley clapped back at those comments, saying the former small forward was only talking a big game to sell his memoir. Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy also called out Pippen for continuing to throw shade at MJ.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen remain estranged, as they haven’t spoken since shortly after The Last Dance’s release. Meanwhile, it’s likely that fans will continue to argue over who the GOAT is but, personally, I have no problem saying Jordan and LeBron James could be mentioned in that discussion. Carmelo Anthony would likely agree, and I’m honestly eager to hear other b-ball veterans weigh in on this discussion.

The past several years have seen Scottie Pippen share brutally honest thoughts on Michael Jordan, his former Chicago Bulls teammate. Since revealing he “wasn’t too pleased” with ESPN’s The Last Dance, Pippen hasn’t minced words about Jordan. He most recently discussed MJ during a wide-ranging interview and, during the discussion, he claimed that even if he never played with His Airness, he’d still win six championships. That prompted Draymond Green to share his opinion, and the Golden State Warriors vet didn’t hold back.

Scottie Pippen recently spoke with Valuetainment Media’s Patrick Bet-David and shared this takes on a number of topics. At one point, Bet-David posed a hypothetical question: how successful would Pippen had been if he’d been drafted by the Dominique Wilkins-led Atlanta Hawks instead of the Chicago Bulls in 1987. Pippen then said, “I still get my six” and later opined that Air Jordan would win two or three without him. That interview (which is currently on YouTube) subsequently went viral.

In the aftermath, Draymond Green caught wind of the hall of famer’s sentiments and reacted on his own sports program – The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. Green, who admitted to having grown up watching the Bulls squads of the ‘90s seemed less than enthused by the comments made by the highly regarded, former small forward:

After voicing his disapproval of The Last Dance in 2021, Scottie Pippen – via his memoir, Unguarded – said Michael Jordan “ruined” the game of basketball. He also later called him a “horrible” player. During this latest interview, Pippen also emphasized that he and Jordan “never were great friends” though he did compliment him for his impact on the game. Draymond Green addressed those comments during his show as well and attempted to make sense of them:

Scottie Pippen’s comments about his former teammate have drawn the ire of a few NBA veterans. In 2021, Charles Barkley clapped back at Pippen’s initial MJ comments and accused his fellow Dream Team member of “big-game hunting” to sell his book. The late Jerry West also responded to the “horrible” sentiments. West – who called Pippen “a hell of a player” – couldn’t understand why the NBA champ would take shots at the Jordan Brand founder.

Basketball fans can continue to debate amongst themselves whether “Pip” would still be a six-time champion without his longtime, on-court partner. All the while, I’m curious as to whether the seven-time All-Star will say more about his professional relationship with Michael Jordan.

Jayson Tatum has accomplished quite a bit over the course of his basketball career so far. The 26-year-old Boston Celtics star is not only an NBA champion but also a six-time All-Star, an All-Star game MVP and two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Despite his status though, even the famous athlete finds himself getting overwhelmed in the presence of sports greatness. That was the case during one of his earliest encounters with NBA GOAT Michael Jordan, during which he embarrassed himself, in a manner that may make some people cringe.

An athlete with a number of endorsements, the St. Louis native is a member of the Jordan Brand family. With that, Jayson Tatum is privy to a few perks, including some occasional meetings with His Airness. Tatum recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and discussed his dealings with MJ. The former Duke phenom recalled exactly when he signed with the Nike-owned company and how he came to meet the legendary Chicago Bull:

The notion of rubbing shoulders with Michael Jordan, fellow athletes and corporate bigwigs in the City of Lights sounds cool. However, it didn’t all go as smoothly as Jayson Tatum would’ve liked. During the interview, which is on YouTube, Jimmy Kimmel opined that the event had to be a “big deal” for Tatum. The athlete then chimed in, saying, “until I ruined it.” With that, he explained that he caused an accident of sorts while trying to engage with Jordan during the trip:

Michael Jordan commands a considerable amount of respect, given his accomplishments on and off the basketball court. During his career, he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and won a plethora of other accolades. Jordan was feared on the court, as even Shaq was “terrified” of him during his prime. He also garnered plenty of respect from his peers, including Magic Johnson, who called him the "strongest" athlete he’d ever seen. Today, Jordan’s mere presence seems to leave people shook, even current athletes. (When Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles received a text from him, she thought she was being pranked.

So it’s understandable that Jayson Tatum would be nervous during one of his earliest interactions with the five-time NBA MVP. I can’t help but love that the Space Jam star was gracious about the spilled wine and that both he and Tatum can now joke about that. Quite frankly, a fun story like this one is a great reminder that in many respects, celebrities are just like us. I only hope that I don’t have a similar mishap if I happen to be in the presence of someone like MJ.

You can learn more about Michael Jordan’s career by streaming The Last Dance using a Netflix subscription. Also, with that same membership, you can get a sense of Jayson Tatum’s mentality by checking out Starting 5.

Several years ago, former Chicago Bulls teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan were engaged in a feud after the debut of the docuseries The Last Dance. Pippen took issue with the ESPN docuseries and later voiced his displeasure with Jordan (whose production company helped oversee the project). Since then, the two athletes have been estranged and had no contact with each other. Now, Pippen is emphasizing the point that he and Jordan were “never great friends,” but he also paid him a major compliment.

What Did Scottie Pippen Say About His Relationship With Michael Jordan?

The Chicago Bulls dominated the NBA in the ‘90s, winning six championships during that decade. That was in great part due to the efforts of “MJ” and “Pip.” However, the Arkansas native has mentioned on a number of occasions that he and the Jordan Brand co-founder weren’t really that close during their playing days. He echoed those sentiments when he recently sat down with Valuetainment Media and host Patrick Bet-David pondered if the pair might cut through their “tension” and reconcile. In the YouTube video, Pip said:

When it came to 2020’s The Last Dance, Scottie Pippen admitted he “wasn’t too pleased.” He later expanded upon those thoughts in his 2021 memoir, Unguarded, and didn’t mince words about Michael Jordan. Pippen believed Michael Jordan used the 10-part show to highlight his own accomplishments and didn’t give due credit to others. Pippen even claimed Jordan “ruined” basketball. In a 2023 interview, Pippen even called Jordan a “horrible” player. Still, the ex-Houston Rocket did offer some praise to his former on-court partner.

How Did Scottie Pippen Talk Up Michael Jordan?

Conversations about NBA GOATS are not only had by the general public but by those who played the game as well. That wasn’t necessarily what the former Central Arkansas player was touching on during his recent interview. However, his comments on how an accomplished, contemporary player like LeBron James stacks up to MJ waded into that discussion. It seems that in the ex-small forward’s mind, James can’t even be compared to his former Bulls teammate:

LeBron James, the leading scorer in NBA history, is certainly a formidable force in his own right. However, Scottie Pippen does make an interesting point in that Michael Jordan accomplished so much in a condensed timeframe, arguably due to his drive. Even Magic Johnson called Michael Jordan the “strongest” athlete he’d ever seen. This level of praise also falls in line with Pippen’s previous admission that he would still play with Jordan, if given the chance again.

It still seems that Scottie Pippen doesn’t have any interest in patching anything up with Michael Jordan, at this point, though. Honestly, that prospect may be somewhat disappointing to longtime fans who enjoyed watching them play alongside each other on the court. At the very least, though, it seems that Pippen does still have an appreciation for Jordan’s drive and believes he stands tall among other legends of the game.

Stream The Last Dance for yourself right now using a Netflix subscription.

All Saturday Night Live hosts have appeared "as themselves" in their monologue but things get really fun when they take allow themselves to be the butt of the joke in a sketch and appear as themselves. Not counting some of the jaw-dropping SNL cameos over the years, these are some of our favorite examples of a celebrity going meta at Studio 8H in a sketch from an episode that they headlined.

Brunch (Chris Hemsworth)

At first, in the Season 41 SNL sketch "Brunch," it seems that host Chris Hemsworth is playing a woman named Claire, who happens to be obsessed with the Thor actor until her friends begin to suspect that she is the Australian celebrity himself. They turn out to be correct when he reveals he wanted to make sure he was still one of the most desired Hollywood Chris' and the most desired Hemsworth.

Your Mom Talks To Megan Fox (Megan Fox)

One sketch from Megan Fox's sole hosting gig from SNL Season 35 sees the star of the Transformers movies appear as herself waiting for a friend of hers to get ready for a night out. During that time, she chats with Kristen Wiig as the friend's mother while she does laundry and has some eye-opening life advice to offer the actor.

I'm Just Pete (Pete Davidson)

For his return to Studio 8H as a host, Pete Davidson welcomed the opportunity to poke fun at his post-SNL career and personal life, most notably with a music video that quickly became one of the most popular sketches of Season 49. Set to the tune of the Oscar-nominated song "I'm Just Ken" from Barbie, the comedian channels Ryan Gosling's portrayal of the iconic doll (and dons his hairstyle) for a hilariously self-effacing ballad with blockbuster-level production design.

Little Focker Film Fan (Robert De Niro)

On his third appearance on SNL as a host, Robert De Niro stars in a sketch taking place on the set of 2010's Little Fockers, where meets a young boy named Keith (Bobby Moynihan) who is extremely excited by everything he sees, except for the two-time Academy Award winner. He even ribs De Niro for a few of his career misfires but, of course, goes crazy over receiving a page of the script, meeting a makeup artist, and when Ben Stiller, also playing himself, appears.

Why is Benedict Cumberbatch Hot? (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Everyone in this sketch, stars as themselves, including Beck Bennett, who sets up a game show in an attempt to understand why people find the night's host, Benedict Cumberbatch, attractive. It gives the Doctor Strange actor a chance to be self-effacing (comparing himself to the likes of a hammerhead shark and Sid the Sloth from the Ice Age movies) before his compliments toward Beck finally lead the SNL star to understand the English actor's appeal.

Meet The Family (Christopher Walken)

Everyone has their own Christopher Walken impression and most of the SNL cast, circa Season 33, had the opportunity to demonstrate their own right in front of the Academy Award winner. They play members of the host's family who reunite with him at a restaurant, discuss highlights of his career, and reminisce about their own lives together.

Friends (Matthew Perry)

Then Friends cast member Matthew Perry appears as Matt LeBlanc's character, Joey Tribbiani, for what starts a typical parody of the hit sitcom. It evolves into something more meta when Colin Quinn walks in as an overly flamboyant caricature of Chandler Bing, causing the host to unhappily break character and derail the whole sketch.

Ryan's Hometown (Ryan Gosling)

In 2015, first-time SNL host Ryan Gosling appeared as himself in a sketch set at a bar in Ontario, Canada, where he is being interviewed for a GQ profile. The interview is interrupted by the Drive star's childhood bully, Trevor (Kyle Mooney), who challenges him to perform a song from Dreamgirls, dance to Cathy Dennis' "Touch Me," and compare their muscular physiques before admitting that he misses the actor's presence.

United Way (Peyton Manning)

One of the funniest SNL sketches featuring a professional athlete is an SNL Digital Short framed as a United Way ad, featuring Peyton Manning spending the day with a group of children. Quickly, it becomes clear that this fictionalized version of the former Denver Broncos quarterback is the farthest thing from a good role model to the world's youth.

Old Lady Gaga (Lady Gaga)

Lady Gaga proved that she was totally game to make fun of herself when she hosted a 2013 SNL episode, which featured an entire sketch dedicated to mocking some of her most famous radio hits and iconic career highlights. It is set in a future where the world has forgotten about the pop star and her older self, desperate to find a fan, calls up her building's superintendent (Kenan Thompson), who at least can recognize "Empress Beyoncé."

Star Trek Convention (William Shatner)

Emmy winner William Shatner owes his career to the Star Trek franchise but you would think he was not so grateful with the way he treats fans in an SNL sketch from 1986. The Captain Kirk actor appears at a convention, where he urges a group of Trekkies to "get a life" instead of obsessing over the sci-fi TV show that he did "as a lark" back in the 1960s.

Hamm & Bublé (Jon Hamm)

After promoting "Jon Hamm's John Ham" in his first SNL hosting gig, Jon Hamm teamed with Michael Bublé (who was that night's musical guest) to introduce a new restaurant that serves pork and champagne. However, the crooner explains in his musical interstitials that he is being held captive by the Mad Men cast member and forced into helping him with this misguided and pun-fueled idea.

Point Blank (Wayne Gretzky)

The legendary Wayne Gretzky appeared as himself in a number of sketches, and proved to have some surprising comedic timing when he hosted SNL in 1989. One of the funniest moments sees the hockey star appears on a talk show that encourages viewers to call in to ask the guest something but none of the questions have anything to do with him or with hockey and are all people seeking advice for something obscure.

Easter Candy (Michael Keaton)

In 2015, Oscar nominee Michael Keaton appeared as a flamboyant, blonde-haired gentleman showing off the contents of his Easter basket, with help from Kate McKinnon as the seemingly imbalanced Portia. It is not until the very end of the deeply bizarre sketch that we discover the Batman actor has been portraying a highly fictionalized version of himself the whole time.

Bill Swerski's Super Fans (Michael Jordan)

NBA legend Michael Jordan plays himself in a few sketches from his sole hosting gig from 1991. One of the most essential highlights sees the Space Jam cast leader join the hosts of Bill Swerski's Super Fans in a cheer for his fellow Chicago Bulls while wearing hula skirts.

Steve Martin Wants More Money (Steve Martin)

When Five-Timers Club member Steve Martin returned to SNL for his then-record-breaking 14th hosting gig, the comedian starred in a sketch set backstage, where he demanded Lorne Michaels a pay raise. However, the producer insists that he go on or he could be replaced with the one person who was closest to matching his record at the time: Alec Baldwin.

Investigation Discovery Presents: White People Problems (Charles Barkley)

In one of the few SNL sketches starring Charles Barkley as himself with no relation to basketball, he is seen hosting a true crime docuseries. However, instead of covering murders or kidnappings, Investigation Discovery Presents: White People Problems discusses instances of caucasian people reacting angrily to situations that seem completely blown out of proportion to the Black people involved.

Chris' Bedtime Story (George Foreman)

In Season 20, George Foreman starred in a backstage-set sketch in which one-season SNL cast member Chris Elliott asks the host to read him a bedtime story so he can take a nap in his dressing room. We imagine that, if anyone else demanded such a request from the boxing champ in real life, it might not end well for them.

Elton John And The Royal Wedding (Elton John)

Most of the sketches from host Elton John's 2010 episode see the Grammy winner playing himself. One of the best SNL sketches featuring the musician sees him visiting the Royal Family, who reveal their nasty, conniving true selves to him behind closed doors.

Brian Diaries (Brian Williams)

A non-actor who still nailed it as an SNL host is Brian Williams, who actually portrayed several original characters throughout the show. However, the former NBC Nightly News anchor did play himself in a Digital Short offering an exaggerated account of his daily routine, which includes receiving a motivational message from Bono (also appearing as himself) while meditating.

Read To Achieve (LeBron James)

LeBron James made his true acting debut hosting SNL before portraying himself in Trainwreck convinced audiences he had talent off the basketball court. He also stars as himself in one sketch in which his attempts to film a PSA are repeatedly interrupted by an obnoxious PA (Jason Sudeikis) who cannot seem to throw the ball at the athlete correctly.

Garth Brooks Backstage With Tracy (Garth Brooks)

During his second hosting gig, Garth Brooks appeared in an SNL sketch taking place backstage at Studio 8H, where cast member Tracy Morgan voices his disparaging opinion of that night's musical guest, Chris Gaines. What the country music star does not disclose to the comedian is the fact that he and the rock singer are actually the same person.

Sugar-Frosted Anabolic Steroids (Fran Tarkenton)

SNL has poked fun at how professional athletes often endorse products on many occasions, such as when John Belushi played himself in an ad for a breakfast cereal that was literally chocolate donuts. In the 1970s, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton tried his hand at the topic with a sketch that sees him endorse a cereal that is literally just performance-enhancing drugs.

Fernando's Hideaway (Mr. T And Hulk Hogan)

When actors/professional wrestlers Mr. T and Hulk Hogan hosted SNL together in the 1980s, they mostly appeared as themselves throughout the show. The most esteemed highlight sees them as guests on a recurring talk show bit hosted by Billy Crystal as Fernando Lamas, who goes off script to acknowledge the Hulkster's bouncing pecs when he accidentally laughs in the middle of the segment.

Marvin PSA/Knockouts (Marvin Hagler)

No one through a knockout punch quite like Marvelous Marvin Hagler in his day, which served as the inspiration for a bit from his SNL hosting gig. He appears in a PSA to help prepare people for if and when they might be forced to oppose him in the ring.

Boston Teens: Ski Lift (Jonny Moseley)

Jimmy Fallon and Rachel Dratch used to star in a recurring SNL sketch as stereotypical Boston teenagers Pat Sullivan and Denise McKenna. One edition saw them share a ski life with Olympic Gold medalist Jonny Moseley, who acts as a referee when the couple gets into an argument.

Finnish Talk Show (Katy Perry)

Katy Perry's second time on SNL was also her first time serving as a host, during which she starred in a sketch in which the pop star appears on a talk show from Finland. She soon discovers that the host (played by Kristen Wiig) has employed an unusually thorough research team, allowing her to have a clip ready to fun for literally any topic that comes up.

Football Liar (Walter Payton)

One of Jon Lovitz's most popular recurring characters on SNL was the habitually dishonest Tommy Flanagan. One sketch sees him run into Chicago Bears running back (and that night's host) Walter Payton who ends up being just as big a liar as he is.

Sports Beat (Nancy Kerrigan)

After suffering an infamous attack which was later dramatized in 2017's I, Tonya, Nancy Kerrigan proved she had a sense of humor about it when she hosted SNL. One sketch sees the figure skater appearing on a talk show with other Olympians who endured much worse injuries than she did but would receive far less favorable treatment.

Tommy Flanagan: Drinking With The Jaggers Cold Open (Jerry Hall)

Tommy Flanagan talks up model Jerry Hall and tries to convince her that he personally knows Mick Jagger. It seems that the facade is compromised when the Batman 1989 cast member's boyfriend, the Rolling Stones frontman himself, appears but he ends up using the pathological liar as an excuse for his absence a previous weekend.

Michael Phelps Diet (Michael Phelps)

Like any committed athlete, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps consumes a high-calorie diet for the purpose of burning off those calories during practice in the pool. However, when he hosted SNL, he starred in a fake ad promising that regular people could indulge in the same diet without exercise, on to show that the results would be disastrous.

Tennis Player Adoption (Andy Roddick)

To younger viewers, the 2021 biopic King Richard's depiction of Richard Williams' disciplinary coaching style of his daughters, Venus and Serena, must have been shocking. However, it was common knowledge when 2003 U.S. Open winner Andy Roddick hosted SNL and appeared in a sketch where Williams (Kenan Thompson) proposes to adopt the athlete as his son.

Though it’s been decades since Michael Jordan suited up to play in an NBA game, the legendary athlete remains a subject of media speculation. And, just recently, he found himself at the center of rumors regarding his health. Photographers snapped photos of the 61-year-old at a Champions League soccer match, during which his eyes appeared to be yellow-ish. That apparently sparked concerns about Jordan but, now, everyone should calm down – because the businessman is just fine.

After the photos surfaced online, an insider shared details on the matter with DailyMail.com. The person alleged that fans shouldn’t worry about the six-time NBA championship winner. Said person further suggested that there’s a simple explanation for the supposed look in His Airness’ eyes:

It’s definitely true that Father Time comes for all of us, even Michael Jordan who (in his prime) kept himself in peak physical condition. Before the source made these comments, some speculated that Jordan could be dealing with jaundice. That condition could be brought on by continuous alcohol consumption. While doctors have since disputed that claim, it’s said that Jordan is allegedly “embarrassed” by the assumptions about his well-being. The insider also shared more purported details regarding the hall of famer’s supposed feelings:

The North Carolina native has long been lauded for his physicality and endurance. His good friend, Magic Johnson, (who he almost played in a pay-per-view match) also praised him. Johnson called Air Jordan the “strongest” athlete he’s ever encountered because of how active he always seemed to be on and off the court. The five-time NBA MVP’s physical prowess was also feared by some of the players who competed against him. Even Shaq admitted to being “terrified” of him during the early part of his career.

Many still consider Michael Jordan to be the GOAT of basketball, and the physicality he displayed is part of the reason why I believe Jordan’s legacy won’t be forgotten. He may not be in the shape that he once was, but you can breathe a sigh of relief, guys, given that he’s reportedly doing well. If anything, this should simply serve as a reminder that we should allow people to age with both grace and dignity.

You can get a sense of Michael Jordan’s past workouts and drive to play basketball by streaming ESPN’s The Last Dance. The ten-part docuseries is currently available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

Basketball fans have long debated who the sport’s all-time greatest player is. The answers vary, but one name that’s constantly tossed around is Michael Jordan. One can understand that, as the Chicago Bulls icon performed some amazing feats throughout the course of his career. Jordan himself has long been aware of the chatter that has surrounded NBA greats like himself. He’s even weighed in on the debate, and I really have to commend him for the take he shared during one particular interview from back in the day.

What Did Michael Jordan Say About Being Added To The GOAT Conversation?

Years ago, the six-time NBA Finals winner participated in a wide-ranging interview with Slam. At the time, the fan-favorite athlete discussed various aspects of his life and career, such as his greatest career accomplishments and his feelings on fame. Talk also turned to basketball icons Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The interviewer specifically asked His Airness where he positions himself in relation to the Laker and Celtics legends. Faced with that query, the Bulls star shared a very cerebral response:

Michael Jordan made a very good point, one that’s still valid today. It’s definitely easy to compare and contrast the qualities of players who are contemporaries. Dueling centers Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain or LeBron James and Kevin Durant are prime examples. However, what Jordan emphasized during his interview is that while he did play at the same time as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, he was in a different part of his career compared to those two, who were both drafted in 1979. Jordan further explained:

On that same token, it’s hard to compare MJ to the likes of Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett because, when they entered the NBA, the Space Jam star was a seasoned veteran. So they could be considered “parallel” to Michael Jordan in many ways. Jordan’s tempered response is much appreciated by this fan, and it’s truly refreshing. That’s especially because we’re currently in an era in which current and former players like to share wild hot takes.

Various NBA Players Have Weighed In On Michael Jordan’s Career

As you would imagine, people have had a lot to say about the Jordan Brand co-founder’s skills over the years. He’s received praise from a number of notable players, including those he’s been compared to. Magic Johnson has referred to Jordan as the “strongest” athlete he’s ever encountered. Even while they were both still players, Larry Bird had high praise for Jordan, who at the age of 23, scored 63 on the Celtics in the playoffs. As Bird said, what he didn’t see was a man but “just God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

Others have provided somewhat more varied takes. Fellow hall-of-famer Tracy McGrady argued that while MJ was great, Kobe Bryant was more “skilled” His Airness’ former teammate, Scottie Pippen, previously argued that there isn’t one “great” player, because basketball is a team sport. It was during that same discussion that he also said his former Bulls cohort was a “horrible” player.

Dwyane Wade also shared an interesting take on NBA GOATS. His argument is that as time goes on, new players come in and basketball viewers get younger, people will forget the exploits of the veterans of yesteryear. That includes Michael Jordan. I’m not so sure I agree, as I firmly believe Jordan’s career will remain relevant. Whether he’s the true greatest player of all time is debatable, but I appreciate that he was level-headed about it back in the day.

Those who’d like more insight into Michael Jordan’s life and career can check out ESPN’s The Last Dance, which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

It’s no secret that Jordan Chiles is named after Michael Jordan, and as the Olympics aired on the 2024 TV schedule, it was revealed that the gymnast received a text from the basketball legend before she competed. However, at first, she didn’t believe it, and now she's revealing the full story behind that time Jordan texted her and why she thought it was a prank.

Now that the Olympics have come and gone, Jordan Chiles appeared on Chicks in the Office to chat about the games and this wild moment, among other things. During the conversation, the hosts brought up how the text was talked about during a broadcast of the Olympics, and they wondered how the gymnast reacted when she got it. In response, the gold medalist told the whole story behind what happened after Michael Jordan got her number. Starting with this:

To be fair, that’s so valid to think she was getting a text from a site like Fashion Nova, because companies like that can be relentless with spam messages. However, it was indeed Michael Jordan, but Chiles didn’t believe it at first. She explained that her parents weren’t around at the moment, she was home alone, and she didn’t know what to think about it all. So, she sent the text to her team:

Then her team confirmed it, and Chiles still didn’t really believe it so she decided to prove it herself:

I get why she didn’t believe it at first. Unlike Stephen Nedoroscik getting a video message from Superman himself, David Corenswet, and Suni Lee meeting Mariska Hargitay at the Olympics, Chiles didn’t have photo, video or in-person evidence to go off of. However, eventually, she got the confirmation she was looking for and finally believed that Michael Jordan really did text her.

She went on to say that she really only sent the message to her team at first, but her parents had a stellar reaction too, which makes sense considering the NBA legend inspired her name. She said:

Now, even though Jordan Chiles knows Michael Jordan for sure texted her, she isn’t sure how he got her number in the first place. She did say she’s friends with his daughter, however, she doesn’t have her contact information. So, that mystery is still open.

It’s honestly so cool that all this happened, and her thinking it was a prank at first makes it even better. Jordan Chiles already had elite athletes in her corner and rooting for her all along – I mean, just to name one example, Simone Biles defended her during her bronze medal dispute and has cheered her on for years. However, having the person you are named after who also just happens to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time reach out, has to hit different.

Overall, this story adds a new layer to an already wonderful tale about Jordan Chiles getting a text from Michael Jordan. She said they haven't texted again since that day. However, she has his number now, and if they ever text again, she knows for sure that she’s not being pranked.

This weekend, the 2024 TV schedule will make way for a massive, two-week event – the 2024 Summer Olympics, which can be watched in a myriad of ways. Athletes from all over the world are set to show off their skills as they compete for medals. One such competitor who’s preparing themself for what’s to come is USA gymnast Jordan Chiles. There are plenty of fans who are rooting for Chiles and her teammates, and that includes Michael Jordan. His Airness even sent a message to Chiles, and he wrapped it with a perfect joke.

I’d imagine that having the support of your teammates and your country as a whole is humbling enough. However, I can’t even imagine receiving an encouraging message from one of the greatest athletes of all time. Jordan Chiles posted the Chicago Bulls icon’s comments on her Instagram story. MJ’s sentiments were incredibly sweet but, after reading it, I was just left chuckling over the quip that the six-time NBA champion squeezed in at the end:

Hmmm, I wonder why he digs her name? I’m joking, of course, but that last comment does speak to Air Jordan’s cheeky nature. (I’d prefer to get that compared to a taste of his signature trash talk that’s, for sure.) For some of us, the notion of a sports legend like him even knowing our names would probably be overwhelming. Jordan Chiles responded to the message – via her stories – in a way that a number of people probably would:

While Michael Jordan may be best known for his on-court heroics in the NBA, he’s also a decorated Olympian. He competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as well as the 1992 games in Barcelona, winning gold medals as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team. His second Olympic run is probably the most notable, as he competed alongside the legendary Dream Team, which consisted of hall of famers like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley. For his part, Barkley thinks the team would crush more recent teams. And I’m of the thinking that the team’s exploits would make a great TV show. Given what I personally know about the team, I don't dispute the notion that the group is one of the greatest basketball squads ever assembled -- if not the greatest.

Jordan Chiles and this year’s U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team will now seek to carve out their own legacy. Competing alongside Chiles as part of the squad will be Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera. When Biles punched her ticket to Paris, she excitedly announced it on social media – and was met with a perfect Mary-Kate and Ashley-related comment. These ladies are sure to be a force to be reckoned with during the games and, like Michael Jordan and so many others, I’ll certainly be rooting for them!

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off on Friday, July 26 and will run through Sunday, August 11. Those who like to check out the various competitions via streaming should grab a Peacock subscription.

Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are two of the greatest athletes to ever set foot on a basketball court, without question. The two dazzled fans during their respective primes, putting up big numbers and helping to lead their teams to multiple championships. Along the way, they also became good friends, and Johnson has even lauded Jordan as the “strongest” competitor he’s even known. What you may not know is that at one point, the two were slated to face off in a one-on-one game that was going to be a pay-per-view event. Yes, this was a real even, and not only are we going to talk about how it came about but also why it didn’t happen. 

The King of the Court was set to take place during the summer of 1990 and was touted as a must-see piece of TV. On paper, it absolutely sounds like a smart play. I mean, pitting the two premier players of the NBA against each other to decide once and for all who’s the best? If that’s not entertainment, then I don’t know what is. On the surface, it may seem like something of a head-scratcher that it didn’t come to pass. So, at the risk of rambling on, let’s dive into the history of this scrapped game of b-ball. 

How Did The King Of The Court Come To Be And What Would It Have Entailed?

By early 1990, the then-30-year-old Earvin “Magic” Johnson was at the top of the basketball world, with five NBA championships, three MVP awards, a dozen All-Star appearances and much more under his belt. At the same time, Michael Jordan, who was almost 27 at the time, was on the rise (figuratively and literally) as the leader of the Chicago Bulls. He had an MVP award, several All-Star appearances and additional honors on his resume. While he’d yet to win an NBA title at that point, many were already hailing his greatness and even comparing him to Magic.

It was actually the beloved Los Angeles Laker who devised the King of the Court concept. Apparently, he was excited by the notion of going head to head with Air Jordan in a match that would be watched by paying viewers. He spoke to The Los Angeles Times about it back in January 1990, during which he explained his role in making everything happen: 

In terms of the event itself, it would’ve taken place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two 15-minute halves were to be played, with the two aforementioned players theoretically duking it out and showing off their skills. On top of that, the winner would receive a $1 million prize. Chances are that both would’ve balled out. After all, Magic was known to “put on a show” while playing in front of Jack Nicholson, Sally Field, Bill Murray and more at The Forum. It’s hard to think that he wouldn’t have done the same for this game. All in all, the stage was set for what could’ve been a major moment in sports history.

What Did Michael Jordan Have To Say Ahead Of The Game?

Michael Jordan opened up about the event during an interview with Roy Firestone for ESPN that took place after the All-Star break in 1990. While speaking to Firestone, he clarified that the opportunity had been presented to his team, who later brought it to him. The basketball phenom also cleared up rumors that Larry Bird was originally his supposed opponent. Jordan admitted that he’d find it “fun” to play Magic Johnson one on one. However, he did express a level of hesitation, as he thought the game would increase the public perception that he was mostly a one-on-one player. As he explained, he was “trying to get away from that label to be more of an all-around player.”

His Airness was already proving himself to be a shrewd sportsman and was starting to forge a path for himself within the business world. (The eventual team owner would even impart lessons to Charles Barkley down the road.) During his chat with Roy Firestone, which can be found on YouTube, the Bulls legend laid out his worries over the financial optics of the game:

Those factors – as well as the impact the event could have on sports betting – were considered by others as well. And one particular interested party would ultimately cause the plans to fall apart. 

Why Didn’t The King Of The Court Happen?

One could probably attribute the demise of The King of the Court to a few murky factors, but the biggest reason it likely didn’t come to fruition is arguably the intervention of the National Basketball Players Association. At the time, Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas, who notably had a rivalry with Jordan, was the president of the group at the time and was not high on the idea. As noted by Bleacher Report, Thomas said, at the time, that he believed the game “sets a bad precedent.” Eventual NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman – who was the NBA’s lawyer at the time – also poured water on the idea, saying “We're not interested in seeing our players being promoted like fighters in Las Vegas.” And, in time, the NBPA and the league got their way. 

Though it’s been over 30 years since the game was set to take place, many still discuss it. Magic Johnson himself discussed it during an interview with our own ReelBlend podcast host Jake Hamilton in the fall of 2023. During the interview, which was shared to YouTube, Johnson recalled both MJ and himself agreeing to the game but thought that the league stepped in. While he would’ve liked for the game to have taken place, he had an optimistic take on it, which involved a vacation he took with Michael Jordan that same year:

It surely could’ve been cool to see the two face off with each other in that one-on-one game, as it could’ve been one for the ages. While many may continue to wonder how it all might’ve played out, there’s no question that the two players at the center of it are no worse off for not having gone through with it.

Those interested in learning more about Michael Jordan can check out ESPN’s The Last Dance docuseries, which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription. And Apple TV+ subscribers can learn about the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson by streaming the docuseries They Call Me Magic.

Throughout his illustrious career in the NBA, Charles Barkley faced off with some of the best athletes to ever play the game, and he also became chummy with more than a few of them. Chief among them was Michael Jordan, with whom he shared a funny, brotherly relationship. Unfortunately, that friendship broke down some time in the 2010s and, as of this writing, the two apparently haven’t spoken to each other in quite some time. Barkley still cordially discusses Jordan and “losing” his friendship with him. He was also even more complimentary of him before their personal relationship dissolved. That was particularly true during a discussion in which the “Round Mound of Rebound” revealed the invaluable lessons he learned from the Chicago Bulls icon.

What Did Charles Barkley Say About Michael Jordan Before Their Friendship Ended?

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan met each other during the 1984 Summer Olympic Trials and gradually became acquainted. Both entered the NBA at the same time, as they were picks in the 1984 Draft. From there, the bond between the two eventual All-Stars continued to develop and extended beyond their matchups on the court, including the 1993 NBA Finals. Barkley once conveyed that while being interviewed on In Depth With Graham Bensinger (as shared on YouTube). When asked by the eponymous host how MJ had impacted his life, Barkley spoke to the star’s knowledge of business-related affairs:

The six-time NBA champion has indeed been successful in his business ventures, having established the Air Jordan Brand under Nike in 1984 and earned a vast number of endorsements. The ex-Bull also became the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (later the Hornets) in 2010, marking a milestone for a former player. So it’s easy to understand how his buddy would’ve learned so much from him during their years of hanging out.

Today, “Sir Charles” has likely held onto those lessons, and he’s been quite successful. His contracts with TNT’s Inside the NBA would suggest that. Of course, all the while, he hasn’t maintained his friendship with the Space Jam star. Based on what’s known about their falling-out, it seems it greatly came down to a difference of opinion.

Why Did The Two NBA Legends Stop Being Friends?

The hall of famer previously explained that Michael Jordan supposedly took offense to an assertion he made years ago. Charles Barkley reportedly opined that Jordan needed to put a better group of people around him from a professional standpoint. The outspoken former basketball player believed that Jordan didn’t have enough people around him who would be honest with him instead of stroking his ego. With that, their personal relationship apparently dissipated. As for whether the two could ever repair their friendship, Barkley had a four-word response: “He’s got my number.”

As mentioned though, he has still spoken highly of MJ since they stopped being buddies. The TNT vet lauded his fellow hall of famer’s skills during the docuseries The Last Dance (which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription). He also clapped back at Scottie Pippen – who’s been feuding with Michael Jordan for several years now – for taking shots at his former Bulls teammate over the doc and more. (Though the TV personality did share savage thoughts on Jordan and Pippen possibly reuniting for a team ceremony held earlier this year.)

So, Charles Barkley may not be on speaking terms with Michael Jordan at this point, it would seem that he still has respect for him today as he did when he gave that interview. It unfortunately seems like there’s no chance of them reconciling at this point. But, who knows, maybe they’ll link up again sometime in the future.

Though breakup rumors hit Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen weeks ago, it turns out the two are still going strong. With that, the public’s fascination with the unlikely couple of Traitors stars continues. The responses to the pairing have been interesting thus far, and the reactions have greatly varied in certain respects. Someone I personally didn’t expect to weigh in on it is former basketball coach Dan Dakich. Not only did he chime in on the romance itself, but he also shared why Michael Jordan has some bragging rights in this situation.

There are several key points of interest when it comes to the relationship between “Larcus.” One is that there’s a notable age difference between them, with Marcus Jordan being 33 and Larsa Pippen being 49. There’s also the fact that Marcus is the son of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, and Larsa used to be married to the star’s ex-teammate, Scottie Pippen. (And Scottie’s been feuding with Michael in recent years.) Like some others, Dan Dakich – who has a tiny bit of history with Marcus – was also surprised by the coupling. He had the following to say:

Well, that’s certainly one way to sum it up. Still, despite the fact that he finds the situation odd, he does wish them the best. Later in his interview with OutKick, Dan Dakich – who was also an assistant at Indiana University Bloomington – was asked who’s winning in this situation when it comes to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. He then explained in the YouTube clip why that honor would go to Jordan:

In late 2022, Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen were spotted on “double date,” though Pippen later denied that they were seeing each other. Both were longtime friends but, by early 2023, they went public with their relationship. Pippen even opened up about the moment she had feelings for Jordan, which happened when she got jealous over another woman chatting him up. Reports of a supposed breakup between the two landed in February, but Pippen eventually confirmed that they were still together and never broke up. As she put it, they simply need to “take a beat” and gather their thoughts.

Air Jordan got mixed up in the whirlwind love affair in the summer of 2023 after he seemingly said he disapproved of Marcus and Larsa Pippen dating. In time, Marcus set the record straight, saying that his father was only joking, as he was riding high after a big night at the time. However, insiders claimed that Michael’s comments hurt Larsa and contributed to the alleged split. As for Scottie Pippen, he’s yet to speak out publicly about his former wife’s love life.

Some may surely agree with Dan Dakich, who’s now a sportscaster and media personality. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what commentators think or whether Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen are “winning” in the matter. It simply comes down to whether or not Larsa and Marcus are truly happy and, as of this writing, that seems to be the case.

At this point, it’s been a while since the reported feud between former Chicago Bulls teammates Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen commenced. The situation has mostly been one-sided as Pippen has taken a number of shots at his former on-court partner for a few years now. As a result, it has seemed somewhat unlikely that the two NBA legends might ever touch base and hash everything out. There’s been a new and somewhat surprising development in this situation, though, as Pippen has now paid Jordan a compliment. And it’s a major one.

Scottie Pippen has been engaged in the “No Bull” Tour alongside former teammates Horace Grant and Luc Longley. Together, the trio traveled to different cities in Australia, where they regaled audiences with stories from their time as players. It was also widely expected that the former athletes – specifically Pippen and Grant – might talk smack about Michael Jordan and the docuseries The Last Dance. While in the Land Down Under, Pippen actually stopped by Today to discuss his legacy. During the chat (which is on YouTube), he was asked whether he believes Jordan is the Greatest of All Time. Pippen agreed with that assessment, saying: 

I mean, there are surely plenty of sports fans who would agree with the hall of famer’s comments. Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the NBA’s GOAT, though other players like Kareen Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell are also brought up in the discussion. But, as mentioned, he does indeed have a lot of MVP awards (five, to be exact). What I also appreciate about these comments is that the six-time champion also made note of his entire team’s contribution to the Bulls’ success decades ago. All in all, these sentiments exude a vibe that greatly differs from the tone of the other comments he’s made about MJ during the past few years. 

This uneasy situation began when Scottie Pippen shared blunt thoughts on The Last Dance, on which Michael Jordan’s production company had editorial control. Pippen said he was “upset” by the Emmy-winning production because it  “glorified” Jordan and didn't give due credit to other members of the team. He even went so far as to say that Jordan “ruined” the sport by establishing a style of play that’s more solo-oriented. Pippen truly made headlines, though, when he referred to his old colleague as a “horrible” player. 

Much of the basketball world seemed taken aback by the sentiments. Former NBA star and current pundit Charles Barkley clapped back at his former Dream Team cohort, accusing him of “big-game hunting” in order to sell his memoir. Even the great Jerry West was confused by the “horrible” assertion. 

So, despite all of that, could Scottie Pippen’s compliment serve as a step towards a reconciliation between him and Michael Jordan? That’s hard to say. After all, Pippen could just be aiming to be objective even if he does hold any resentment over The Last Dance or anything else. Still, I think many would agree when I say that it would be great to see the two ballers back on good terms again.

There’s no question that The Last Dance is one of the best docuseries ever, and its documentation of the Chicago Bulls 1997-1998 championship season is dramatic and compelling. However, a new sports docuseries has started airing on the 2024 TV schedule from Apple TV+ about the New England Patriots' dynasty. And I have to say, if you are looking for the drama, The Dynasty: New England Patriots is where it’s at.

Currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Dynasty: New England Patriots is teed up to be one of Apple TV+’s best shows as it tells the story of the NFL team that spans two decades and six Super Bowl championships under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick, star quarterback Tom Brady, and team owner Robert Kraft.

If you are at all aware of the Patriots’ history, which I was not before this, then you likely know that telling this story would naturally be more dramatic than The Last Dance.

While the story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls is 100% dramatic and includes moments of intense personal tragedy and wild stories about teammates, its primary conflict has to do with the star player, his relationships with the team and the pressure to keep winning. Bigger drama has cropped up after The Last Dance with Jordan and Scottie Pippen. However, in the hit show, the points of contention really didn’t go far past the interpersonal relationships within the Bulls organization.

A story like this is on display in The Dynasty. Tom Brady and his rise to become the starting quarterback for the Pats over Drew Bledsoe and his competitiveness as a player are integral to the story. Also, the pressure to keep winning Super Bowls and be the best is a theme that runs through this docuseries, much like The Last Dance.

However, where this Apple TV+ series overtakes things in the drama department is in how it depicts the scandal and breaking news that has involved the Patriots over the last 20 years.

For example, in Episode 4, the story of Spygate is told in great detail. After winning three Super Bowls, the Pats were caught filming defensive calls of their opponents. This caused a massive investigation, and the documentary did not hold back in explaining how serious it was, the impact it had on the NFL and how it changed the image of the team. They also showed team members and even Bill Belichick talking (or refusing to talk about) the manner.

This was just one episode of the docuseries, the storyline about Bledsoe’s injury and Brady taking over was also intense. Plus, we haven’t gotten to the episodes that address the scandal Deflategate and the national story about the late Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of murder. Overall, the history and story of the New England Patriots is long, dark at times, extremely complex and dramatic. And clearly, people are loving it, hence the Rotten Tomatoes score.

To see what I’m talking about, you can stream the acclaimed The Dynasty: The New England Patriots with an Apple TV+ subscription, and you can catch pairs of new episodes every Friday.