Charles Wade Barkley, commonly known by his nicknames "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound," was born on February 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama, USA. He is a former American professional basketball player and now a television personality, widely recognized for his charismatic and outspoken personality, which helped him become one of the most iconic figures in NBA history. During his 16-year NBA career, Barkley became only the fourth player to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.
Biography:
Charles Barkley emerged as a standout basketball player relatively late. Initially a nondescript high school athlete, a 6-inch (15 cm) growth spurt during his senior year transformed him into one of Alabama's top players, earning him a scholarship to Auburn University. At Auburn, Barkley was selected All-Conference in all three of his seasons, and in 1984, he was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Draft.
Though officially listed at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 metres), Barkley was widely believed to be closer to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 metres). Despite being undersized for a forward, his explosive leaping ability, physical strength, and knack for establishing position under the basket made him one of the top rebounders in the league. He earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 1987, beginning a streak of 11 consecutive All-Star appearances.
However, team success eluded him in Philadelphia. Except for a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals during his rookie year—on a squad featuring Julius Erving and Moses Malone—the 76ers never advanced past the second round of the playoffs during Barkley's eight-year tenure. His failure to secure a championship, combined with his outspoken nature, strained his relationship with the franchise, ultimately leading to his trade to the Phoenix Suns in 1992.
Internationally, Barkley was a key member of the U.S. men’s basketball teams that won Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996. In 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and a decade later, in 2006, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Charles Barkley Stats:
Charles Barkley had a distinguished 16-season NBA career, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. Over the course of 1,073 regular-season games, he averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Barkley was selected to participate in 11 NBA All-Star Games and was honored with the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1993. His contributions to the game earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Charles Barkley Facts:
Born in Leeds, Alabama
Barkley was born underweight
He chewed up one of his remotes
Did not graduate with his high school
Charles Barkley Achievements:
NBA Most Valuable Player (1993)
11× NBA All-Star (1987–1997)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991)
5× All-NBA First Team (1988–1991, 1993)
5× All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995)
All-NBA Third Team (1996)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
NBA rebounding leader (1987)
No. 34 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor
No. 34 retired by Phoenix Suns
NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
Third-team All-American – NABC (1984)
SEC Player of the Year (1984)
No. 34 retired by Auburn
