Charles Barkley Puts Blame on Jerry Reinsdorf for Destruction of Bulls Dynasty and Defends Jerry Krause

ESPN's documentary series "The Last Dance" has been an enormous success. Among the many conversations it's started, it's gotten fans talking about the end of the Michael Jordan-Chicago Bulls dynasty, and in particular, it has many pointing fingers anew at former general manager Jerry Krause for the breakup of the team after the 1997-98 season. The contentious relationships he had with his players and coach Phil Jackson have been illuminated in the documentary through its four aired episodes so far, but NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley believes that some of the ire has been blown out of proportion -- and misplaced.

In an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show," the Chuckster insisted that Krause's squabbles with Jordan, Jackson, and Scottie Pippen wasn't the main reason behind the Bulls' dissolution. Rather, he thinks team owner Jerry Reinsdorf is most deserving of blame.

Referring to Reinsdorf as a "silent assassin," he detailed how the executive simply didn't want to pay anyone. He characterizes Reinsdorf as only keeping players around "at a bargain," and seems to believe Krause didn't have enough sway in these matters.

Krause, who passed away three years ago, is no longer around to defend himself, so many of the accusations and slams against him have had to go without a response, but Barkley isn't having it. He isn't the only former player to weigh in on the matter, either.

Barkley is pretty confident, calling any idea that Krause, who reported directly to Reinsdorf, was some kind of sole perpetrator "asinine."

More information (and controversy) is certain to be revealed when the next pair of episodes are released on Sunday, May 3rd. Stay tuned!