Barkley is known more for his commentary these days about the NBA, but during his career, there was nothing more emphatic than one of Barkley's signature powerful dunks or grabs off the glass. And the amazing part is that he dominated the power forward position at only a listed 6'6". Yes, I question that height because he looked smaller than that, although he played like he was a lot taller!
Barkley is one of the greatest ever to never win an NBA title, although he did take the Phoenix Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals only to lose to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. However, a lack of a championship aside, the accomplishments in Barkley's career are plentiful.
But as much as Barkley received press for his on-the-court play, he was known for his off-the-court exploits as well. In fact, his shoe company, Nike, took advantage of Barkley's reputation and made him their "anti-Jordan," prompting a commercial stating that Barkley is not a role model.
Personally speaking, Barkley is my favorite player ever in any sport. I actually still own a raggedy old Sixers jersey shirt with the number 34 and Barkley's name on it. He may not be a role model, but Barkley is certainly a player I'll never forget.
Hall of Fame: 2006
Name: Charles Wade Barkley
Born: February 20, 1963 in Leeds, Alabama
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 252 lbs.
Nicknames: Sir Charles, The Round Mound of Rebound, Chuck
High School: Leeds in Leeds, Alabama
College: Auburn University
Drafted: 1984; 1st round, 5th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers
Teams Played For In Career:
- Philadelphia 76ers (1984-1992)
- Phoenix Suns (1992-96)
- Houston Rockets (1996-2000)
CAREER STATS
Career Games: 1073
Points Per Game: 22.1
Rebounds Per Game: 11.7
Assists Per Game: 3.9
3PTM Per Game: 0.5
Field Goal Percentage: 54.1%
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.5%
Steals Per Game: 1.5
Blocks Per Game: 0.8
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS:
Most Valuable Player
- 1992-93 NBA Most Valuable Player
NBA All-Star
- 1986-87 All-Star
- 1987-88 All-Star
- 1988-89 All-Star
- 1989-90 All-Star
- 1990-91 All-Star (MVP)
- 1991-92 All-Star
- 1992-93 All-Star
- 1993-94 All-Star
- 1994-95 All-Star
- 1996-97 All-Star
All-NBA Teams
- 1985-86 All-NBA Second Team
- 1986-87 All-NBA Second Team
- 1987-88 All-NBA First Team
- 1988-89 All-NBA First Team
- 1989-90 All-NBA First Team
- 1990-91 All-NBA First Team
- 1991-92 All-NBA Second Team
- 1992-93 All-NBA First Team
- 1993-94 All-NBA Second Team
- 1994-95 All-NBA Second Team
- 1995-96 All-NBA Third Team
NBA All-Rookie Team
- 1984-85 All-Rookie First Team
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