Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charles Barkley

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Charles Barkley made an impact.

Charles Barkley, nicknamed "Sir Charles," is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. He played 16 seasons in the NBA, primarily as a power forward, known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being shorter than typical players at his position. Barkley's achievements include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also recognized as one of the NBA's greatest players, earning spots on the league's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1967: Most Rebounds in All-Star Game

At his fifth All-Star Game appearance during the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley led the East to victory and grabbed 22 rebounds, the most rebounds in an All-Star Game since Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 in 1967.

1974: 76ers Miss Playoffs

In the 1988-89 season, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1974-75 season.

1976: Suns First NBA Finals Appearance

In 1976, the Phoenix Suns made their first NBA Finals appearance.

1983: Joined a Veteran Team

In 1984, Charles Barkley joined a veteran team that included Julius Erving and Moses Malone, players who had taken Philadelphia to the 1983 NBA championship.

1984: Led Auburn to NCAA Tournament

In 1984, Charles Barkley led the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA tournament in school history.

1984: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

In 1984, Charles Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the fifth pick of the NBA draft after being an All-American at Auburn University.

1984: Invited to Olympic Tryouts

In 1984, Charles Barkley was one of 74 college players invited to the spring tryouts for the U.S. Olympic team.

1985: Named to All-Rookie First Team

In 1985, during his rookie season, Charles Barkley was named to the All-Rookie First Team.

November 4, 1986: Career-High Assists

On November 4, 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.

1986: NBA Leading Scorer

Charles Barkley led the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage during the 1986-87 season.

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the league in rebounding average and earned his first rebounding title.

March 20, 1987: 25 Rebound Game

On March 20, 1987, Charles Barkley recorded 26 points, 25 rebounds (including 16 offensive rebounds), and nine assists in a win over the Denver Nuggets.

1987: NBA Effective Field Goal Percentage Leader

Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage in the 1986-87 season.

November 30, 1988: 41 Points, 22 Rebounds and Six Steals

On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a win over the Blazers.

1988: NBA Effective Field Goal Percentage Leader

Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage in the 1987-88 season.

1989: NBA Offensive Rating Leader

Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating in the 1988-89 season.

1990: NBA Offensive Rating Leader

Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating in the 1989-90 season.

1991: Collaboration on "Outrageous"

In 1991, Charles Barkley and Roy S. Johnson collaborated on the autobiographical book "Outrageous," though Barkley later quipped he was misquoted in it.

Outrageous!: The Fine Life and Flagrant Good Times of Basketball's Irresistible Force

Check it on Amazon

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

In 1991, Charles Barkley was named the All-Star Game MVP.

July 17, 1992: Traded to Phoenix Suns

On July 17, 1992, Charles Barkley was officially traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang.

1992: Competed in the Olympic Games

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games, winning a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team.

1992: Joined the Dream Team

In 1992, Charles Barkley helped the Dream Team compile a perfect record.

1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympic Appearance

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns and reverted his jersey number to 34. International rules changed, allowing NBA players to participate in the Olympics, and Barkley joined the 'Dream Team'.

1993: Hosting Saturday Night Live

Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live on four separate occasions between 1993 and 2018.

1993: Named NBA MVP

In 1993, Charles Barkley was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

1993: Voted League MVP and Led Suns to NBA Finals

In 1993, Charles Barkley, playing for the Phoenix Suns, was voted the league's MVP while leading the team to the NBA Finals.

1995: Final Season with Suns

In the 1995-96 season, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, and achieving his tenth All-Star Game appearance.

1996: Appearance in "Space Jam"

In 1996, Charles Barkley played himself in the film "Space Jam".

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1996: Member of the 1996 Men's Basketball team

In 1996, Charles Barkley was instrumental in helping the 1996 Men's Basketball team compile a perfect record.

1996: Won Gold Medal in Olympics

In 1996, Charles Barkley won another gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team in the Olympic Games.

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scoring a basket and retiring to a standing ovation, overcoming the mental block of his injury.