“Michael Jordan Was Getting in Shape, But I Was Getting Tired”: Charles Barkley Warned MJ About The Injury Downsides of Making NBA Comeback With Wizards

Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the greats in NBA history. So, in 2001 when 38-year-old Jordan announced his return to the NBA, fans were ecstatic. Around the same time, rumors were circulating about a Charles Barkley return. But, Chuck knew he was done with the NBA. And, before MJ’s fated return, he warned the GOAT of the potential injury risks.

In the year 2000, Sir Charles decided his basketball career was over. A ruptured left quadriceps tendon was more than enough for him to know that. A year later, things changed, many were talking about his potential return. Especially with rumors of the Wizards’ latest signing.

His Airness was on his way back to playing form, three years removed from his “Last Dance” in 1998. So, with his then-good friend making a return, fans obviously looked to The Round Mound of Rebound. Alas, he had no desire to get back in shape like Jordan. But, he did give the six-time NBA Champion some advice.

Charles Barkley warned Michael Jordan about the dangers of injury upon his return to the NBA

Injuries are a common occurrence in the world of sports. They can make or break any athlete’s career. And, as they grow older, the risk of injury grows as well. This is exactly what brought about the end of Charles Barkley’s career.

Playing against the 76ers in 1999, Chuck ruptured his left quadriceps tendon, an injury he knew he would never come back from. Especially considering he was 36 years old. Nevertheless, he was satisfied with his NBA career, and a few months later, entered retirement.

However, one man obsessed with basketball is Michael Jordan. And, in 2001, MJ was gearing up for a return to the league. A move that somewhat concerned Barkley, who had his own set of comeback rumors floating around. In his memoir, I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It, Chuck recalled a conversation he had with Michael about the same. He specifically remembered warning His Airness, that while he may be in shape, injuries were always a concern.

“I told Michael Jordan, when we were talking about my coming back, that he might have been in shape but I was just getting tired. And as amazing an athlete as Michael is, his knees just wouldn’t cooperate with him when he came back to play for the Wizards.”

Jordan had some great games with the Wizards. But, Barkley had it right, as subsequent issues with his knees proved to be a crutch for Michael while in Washington.

Jordan played only 60 games in his first season with the Washington Wizards

Michael Jordan’s first season with the Wizards left something to be desired. A result of suffering from torn cartilage in his right knee and subsequent knee soreness.

He only managed to play 60 games that season. The fewest he had played since the 1994-95 season when he played 17 games.

The following year, Michael played his final season in the NBA. It certainly wasn’t his best two years, but entertaining nonetheless.