Feb 15, 1996; Auburn Hills MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) in action against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Bulls beat the Pistons 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Being Michael Jordan is much more difficult than most could ever comprehend. The Chicago Bulls legend has a net worth of $2.2 billion and even when he didn’t have that kind of wealth and was in the NBA playing for a ‘couple million dollars’ a year, it’s tough to find people who want you, for you. 

Everybody in Jordan’s life most certainly wants something out of their connection with the 6x NBA champion. So, when it comes to finding true friends, MJ has always had to keep an eye for people who were simply trying to use him. 

This is why most of his closest friends are ones he made before all of the fame, whether it be from school or it be from when he was in his infancy stage of being a star in the league. Someone who he met around the time of his rookie season was a man who he would go on to call a friend even after his second retirement and beyond.

George Koehler can safely say that he is a close friend of Michael Jordan 

The first man who met Michael Jordan after he had gotten drafted to the Bulls was none other than George Koehler. Well, he technically wasn’t the ‘first man’ who MJ met as team personnel would be the first but when it comes to native Chicagoans, Koehler might’ve been the first. 

He owned a limo company at the time and this was perfect timings as someone who would have their fame skyrocket in a matter of weeks needed both a personal car service and driver. Luckily for him, Koehler provided his services almost immediately. 

“I am not really the driver. I’m kind of like the personal slave. There are 1,000,000 people in this world who would love to hang out with Michael. Fortunately, I am a friend, and as long as he wants me around, I will be around,” said Koehler. 

Michael Jordan lost a great friend in Charles Barkley 

One man who Michael Jordan befriended and became quite fond of during his time in the NBA was none other than Charles Barkley. They would golf together and gamble together while also doing interviews on air with one another. However, this all changed when Chuck took to his ‘Inside the NBA’ show to berate MJ on his front office management skills while with the Washington Wizards. Jordan took this personally and for the past 15+ years, they have not spoken.