Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charles Barkley

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

Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being undersized for a power forward, he earned the nicknames "Sir Charles", "the Bread Truck", and "the Round Mound of Rebound." Barkley's NBA career spanned 16 seasons, during which he was an 11-time 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: All-Star Game Record

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds, which was the most rebounds in an All-Star Game until Charles Barkley matched it.

1974: 76ers failed to make the playoffs

For the first time since the 1974–75 season, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs, as Charles Barkley became the Sixers' franchise player.

1983: 76ers NBA Championship

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers had won the NBA Championship, a team Charles Barkley joined in 1984.

1984: Led Tigers 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 as a junior by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth pick of the NBA draft after playing at Auburn University.

1985: Named to All-Rookie First Team

In 1985, Charles Barkley was named to the All-Rookie First Team following his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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: Leading Rebounder and Offensive Dominance

In 1986, Charles Barkley began his reign as an offensive force, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage. He also showcased versatility, scoring from various positions and establishing himself as a clutch player, beginning a run that lasted multiple seasons.

1986: Most Turnovers in a 7-Game Series

In 1986, Charles Barkley recorded the most turnovers (37) in a 7-game series while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

1986: Most Free Throw Attempts in a 7-Game Series

In 1986, Charles Barkley set a record for most free throw attempts (100) in a 7-game series playing for Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks during the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

1986: Leading Rebounder in the NBA

In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley became the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding, averaging a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game.

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the NBA in rebounding average, earning his first rebounding title.

March 4, 1987: Most Offensive Rebounds in a Half

On March 4, 1987, Charles Barkley achieved the record for the most offensive rebounds in a half with 13, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks.

March 20, 1987: Career High Offensive Rebounds

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

1987: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1987, Charles Barkley showcased his offensive dominance, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage. His exceptional skills set the foundation for his status as one of the league's premier clutch players, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability.

November 30, 1988: Productive Season

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

1988: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1988, Charles Barkley continued his dominance by leading the league in effective field goal percentage and solidifying his status as a versatile scorer capable of performing in any position.

1989: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1989, Charles Barkley was among the league leaders in offensive rating, confirming his status as a premier offensive talent and a versatile player.

1990: Dominance in Offensive Rating

In 1990, Charles Barkley was among the league leaders in offensive rating, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and efficient scorer, contributing to his legacy as a dominant force in the NBA.

1991: Collaboration on Autobiographical Work "Outrageous"

In 1991, Charles Barkley and sportswriter Roy S. Johnson collaborated on the autobiographical work "Outrageous". Due to editorial choices made by Johnson, Barkley famously quipped that he had been misquoted in his own autobiography.

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

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1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

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

July 17, 1992: Traded to the 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 as a member of the U.S. national team, winning a gold medal.

1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympics

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking a successful transition for both parties. In addition, he joined the "Dream Team" and won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where international rules changed, allowing NBA players to compete for the first time.

June 5, 1993: Most Free Throws Made in a Half

On June 5, 1993, Charles Barkley set a record for the most free throws made in a half with 19, while playing for the Phoenix Suns against the Seattle SuperSonics.

1993: First Hosting of Saturday Night Live

Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time in 1993.

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1993: League MVP Honors

In 1993, Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors, cementing his reputation as a physical and dominant player known as "Sir Charles".

1993: Named NBA MVP

In 1993, Charles Barkley was voted the NBA's Most Valuable Player while playing for the Phoenix Suns and leading the team to the NBA Finals.

1993: McDonald's Open MVP and NBA Season

In 1993, despite back pain, Charles Barkley won the McDonald's Open in Germany and was named the tournament's MVP. During the 1993-94 NBA season, he averaged 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He was selected to his eighth consecutive All-Star Game but did not play due to injury.

1995: Final Season with Phoenix Suns

In 1995-96, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals. He earned his tenth All-Star Game appearance and achieved his 18th career triple-double on November 22nd. Barkley also reached 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in his career. In the postseason, Barkley averaged 25.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in a four-game first round playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

1996: Appearance in Space Jam

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

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1996: Won Second Olympic Gold Medal

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

1997: Injury-Plagued Season with the Houston Rockets

The 1997-98 season was another injury-plagued year for Charles Barkley. He averaged 15.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. The Rockets ended the season with a 41–41 record and were eliminated in five games by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.

December 8, 1999: Ruptured Quadriceps Tendon

On December 8, 1999, Charles Barkley's season and career seemingly ended prematurely at the age of 36 after rupturing his left quadriceps tendon in Philadelphia.

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scoring a memorable basket and retiring after sixteen years in the Hall of Fame.

2000: Retired from the NBA

In 2000, Charles Barkley retired from the NBA as the fourth player in history to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.

2000: Foreword for Rick Reilly's Book

In 2000, Charles Barkley wrote the foreword for Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly's book "The Life of Reilly". In the foreword, Barkley humorously stated that Reilly wasn't someone he'd want to throw through a plate glass window.

Life of Reilly

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2000: Studio Analyst for TNT

Since 2000, Charles Barkley has worked as a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on NBA coverage, pre-game and halftime shows, and special NBA events. He is part of the Inside the NBA crew.

2002: Release of the book "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It"

In 2002, Charles Barkley released the book "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It", which included editing and commentary by Michael Wilbon.

I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It

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2002: Started hosting "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson"

In 2002, Charles Barkley started hosting a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.

2003: Continued hosting "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson"

In 2003, Charles Barkley continued hosting a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.

2004: First Celebrity Guest Picker for College GameDay

In 2004, Charles Barkley was the first-ever celebrity guest picker for College GameDay.

2006: Expressed Support for Gay Marriage

In 2006, Charles Barkley told Fox Sports that he supported gay marriage, stating, "If they want to get married, God bless them."

February 19, 2009: Return to TNT After DUI Hiatus

On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT after taking a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest. He addressed the incident and his experiences during the first segment of the NBA pregame show. T-Mobile also resumed airing ads featuring Barkley around this time.

2011: Expressed Support for Homosexuals

During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day double-header on TNT, Charles Barkley expressed his support for homosexuals and equality for every man and woman.

2011: Spokesman for WeightWatchers

In 2011, Charles Barkley became a spokesman for WeightWatchers, promoting their "Lose Like a Man" program in television and online advertisements.

2011: Studio Analyst for NCAA Tournament Coverage

Since 2011, Charles Barkley has served as a studio analyst for the joint coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament between Turner Sports and CBS and has broadcast every Final Four since that year.

January 7, 2012: Guest Commentator for NFL Wild Card Playoffs and Host of Saturday Night Live

On January 7, 2012, Charles Barkley served as a guest commentator for NBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs. On the same night, he hosted Saturday Night Live.

November 2012: Contemplated Retirement from Broadcasting

In November 2012, Charles Barkley announced that he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting, after 13 years, stating he needed to find the next challenge for him.

2013: Commented on Jason Collins Coming Out

In 2013, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out, Charles Barkley stated that anyone who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot.

July 2016: Announcement of "The Race Card" Show

In July 2016, it was announced that Charles Barkley would host a six-episode unscripted show called "The Race Card", later renamed "American Race."

2016: Planned Broadcasting Retirement

In 2016, Charles Barkley had planned to retire, but later signed another contract with Turner Sports to continue his broadcasting career.

May 11, 2017: Premiere of "American Race" on TNT

On May 11, 2017, Charles Barkley's six-episode unscripted show, originally called The Race Card but renamed American Race, premiered on TNT.

2018: Fourth Hosting of Saturday Night Live

Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live in 2018 for the fourth time.

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2019: Appearance on The Goldbergs

In 2019, Charles Barkley appeared in "The Piña Colada Song" episode of The Goldbergs as a gym teacher and alien conspiracy theorist briefly trained as a prospective replacement for the departing Coach Mellor.

October 2022: Signed 10-Year Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, remaining as an analyst on Inside the NBA.

2022: Expressed Vehement Support for LGBT Community

In 2022, a video surfaced of Charles Barkley speaking at an event where he made comments vehemently in favor of the LGBT community, stating "If you're gay and transgender, I love you. And if anybody gives you sh-t, you tell them Charles said 'f--k you.'"

2023: Spoke out against Bud Light boycott.

In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott in the United States, condemning the boycotters as "rednecks."

2023: Intention to Retire at 60

In 2023, Charles Barkley stated that he wanted to retire from broadcasting when he turned 60.

2023: Co-hosting "King Charles" on CNN

In the fall of 2023, Charles Barkley began co-hosting a news discussion program called King Charles alongside Gayle King on CNN.

June 2024: Announced Intention to Retire from Television

In June 2024, Charles Barkley announced his intention to retire from television after the 2024–25 NBA season, but later reversed this decision in August, deciding to stay with TNT Sports.