Pippen never thought highly of Barkley, secretly accusing him of being a sycophant to Jordan and Gan, "This guy is always kissing Michael and Gan's asses."
Pippen also believed Barkley was completely undisciplined. His so-called "great season" declaration lasted only a week before he fell back into his habits with gigantic burgers and Coca-Cola, often showing up late to training.
In Pippen's eyes, Barkley was simply a clown seeking attention by sucking up to others. His abilities were overrated, and he relied on clinging to Gan and Jordan to gain public recognition, making money through advertisements and endorsements.
Barkley, of course, was furious. He thought Pippen was purely jealous—jealous of his friendship with Jordan and Gan and the vast sums of money he made from endorsements and commercials.
Barkley's contract with the Nets wasn't large, much smaller than Pippen's, but he still made as much money due to the endorsements and advertisements.
