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Charles Barkley Biography
Charles Wade Barkley, better known as one of the most endowed yet controversial stars of the National Basketball Association, was born on February 20, 1963 in Leeds, Alabama. Standing tall at about 195 cm and weighing 115 kilograms, Barkley was considered short and stout by NBA standards. However, these adjectives did not deter his aspiration of reaching the pinnacle. |
He excelled as a player all through his college life at the Auburn University, although his excessive weight made him popular as ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’ during those days. He also earned the title of ‘Sir Charles’, owing to his outrageous and violent nature. Barkley left Auburn University in 1984 to begin his career in the NBA. He signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and thus, began his 16 years long colorful inning in a no. 34 jersey.
Overpowering all weight issues, very soon Barkley filled up the void of Julius Erying on the team. With Barkley on the rolls, the team reached the playoffs every year. He averaged 24.3 points per game. However, neither his average score nor the status of being the most important player for the 76ers could compensate Barkley’s unfulfilled desire of winning a championship. After winning the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics as part of the 1992 US Dream Team, the Most Valuable Player of the NBA demanded a trade. Best remembered for his drive and ruggedness for rebounds, Barley revealed his humane aspect during his final season at Philadelphia. He adopted the number 32 jersey to honor Magic Johnson, who had recently made his HIV positive medical condition public.
Barkley rebooted his career with the Phoenix Suns. Within no time, he became a cardinal member of the team and won the hearts of Suns’ fans by scoring 25 points per game at the 1993 NBA Finals. From 1993 to 1996, many expected Barkley and the Suns to win the championship but luck evaded them, either in the guise of Jordan or Houston Rockets. The 1996 Summer Olympics offered respite as he was the member of the American team that won the gold medal.
Barkley was then traded to Houston Rockets, where he pitched in with Hakeem Olajuwon in their pursuit to win the championships. Unfortunately, along with the Rockets tenure commenced the phase of many back injury problems. On December 8, 1999 Barkley ruptured his quadriceps tendon in his left knee, in Philadelphia. Barkley played his final game on April 19, 2000 against the Vancouver Grizzlies at home and brought his amazing career to a standstill. During his career in the NBA, Barkley totaled 23,757 points with an average of 23 points per game, and 12,546 rebounds, with an average of 11.7 rebounds per game. In 2006, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Barkley’s wild behavior and the trait of always speaking his mind has often brought him in the limelight, be it for spitting, bashing or commenting that players are no role models. He has also ventured into the world of media by acting in commercials (Nike) and movies (Space Jam). He has also showcased his literary talent in his autobiography named ‘Outrageous’ and books like ‘I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It’.
Named as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, Sir Charles has not rested his dreams at becoming a studio analyst on 'Inside The NBA' for TNT. Who knows? 2014 Alabama Governor's election, may witness the transformation of a sportsman into a politician!
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