Barkley Slams Jordan For Bobcats Failures
Added on Mar 02, 2012 by Scott in
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Charles Barkley was an intimidating, relentless player on the court, and he’s just as acerbic off the court as an analyst for TNT. Where most talking heads are always guarding their words, Barkley says what he feels and isn’t afraid to lob critical salvos at players, coaches and whoever else draws his ire. This includes one of his best friends, Michael Jordan, who has failed to make an impact as the Bobcats main decision maker.
Barkley believes Jordan has surrounded himself with too many “yes men” and not enough dissenting voices in the front office. While there’s plenty of blame to go around in Charlotte, the one most responsible in Barkley’s eyes is the man in charge.
“I love Michael, but he just has not done a good job,” Barkley said. “Even though he is one of my great friends, I can’t get on here and tell you he’s done a great job. He has not done a great job, plain and simple.”
Hard to argue with this assessment. Since the team’s surprising playoff appearance in 2009-10, the Cats have been on a downward spiral into the NBA basement. At 4-29, they own the league’s worst record this season and have a roster composed of guards and small forwards. No center or power forward averages double-digits in scoring or more than 5.5 rebounds.
Jordan’s talent evaluating skills have been doubted since the infamous Kwame Brown pick in 2001 when he was president of the Wizards. Since becoming part owner of the Bobcats in 2006, he has greenlit the selection of Adam Morrison, Ryan Hollins, Jared Dudley, Alexis Ajinca and Kyle Weaver, none of whom are still with the team. D.J. Augustin, Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker have worked out, but they are essentially the same type of player.
Jordan also pulled the trigger on trading power forward/center Gerald Wallace to Portland last February. Wallace was an All-Star in 2010 when he averaged 18.2 points and 10.1 rebounds. He was the key to Charlotte’s playoff run, along with head coach Larry Brown, whom Jordan fired early last season.
Barkley can be a blowhard on occasion, but on this issue he’s 100% correct. Jordan would do well to put aside hie massive ego and listen to his friend.
Source: ESPN.com
