Charles Barkley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Charles Barkley. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being undersized for his position, he played 16 seasons in the NBA. He earned numerous accolades, including 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP award. Barkley was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats. He is currently a popular and outspoken analyst for TNT and CBS Sports.

Sections (5)

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

1956: 1956 U.S. Olympic team record

The team averaged an Olympic record 117.3 points a game and won games by an average of 43.8 points, only surpassed by the 1956 U.S. Olympic team.

1967: Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds at the All-Star Game, a feat matched by Charles Barkley in 1991.

1976: First NBA Finals appearance since 1976

In the 1992-93 season, Charles Barkley led the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976.

1983: 76ers won NBA Championship

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers, which Barkley would join in 1984, won the NBA championship.

1984: Named SEC Player of the Year

In 1984, Charles Barkley was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year.

1985: Named to All-Rookie First Team

In 1985, Charles Barkley was named to the All-Rookie First Team in his first NBA season.

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 game against the Indiana Pacers.

1986: Most free throw attempts in a 7-game series

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

1986: Most turnovers in a 7-game series

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

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

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

1986: NBA leading two-point field goal percentage

In 1986-87 Charles Barkley led the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage

1986: Leads NBA in Rebounding

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

March 4, 1987: Most offensive rebounds in a half

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

March 20, 1987: Career-High Rebounds

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

1987: NBA leading effective field goal percentage

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

November 30, 1988: 41 Points, 22 Rebounds, 6 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 leading effective field goal percentage

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

1989: Finished second in MVP voting

During the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting behind Magic Johnson despite receiving more first-place votes.

1989: NBA offensive rating leader

In 1988-89 Charles Barkley led the NBA in offensive rating.

1990: NBA offensive rating leader

In 1989-90 Charles Barkley led the NBA in offensive rating

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

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

1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympic Gold

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns and also played in the Summer Olympics. International rules were changed, allowing NBA players like Barkley to compete in the Olympics for the first time, he joined the 'Dream Team'.

1992: Won Gold Medal in Olympics

In 1992, Charles Barkley won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympic Games.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the 'Dream Team'

In 1992, Charles Barkley won a gold medal as part of the United States men's basketball team, known as the "Dream Team", at the Summer Olympics. The team dominated, averaging an Olympic record of 117.3 points per game, with Barkley leading the team in scoring with 18.0 points per game.

June 5, 1993: Most free throws made in a half

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

1993: NBA MVP Award

In 1993, Charles Barkley earned the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

1993: Voted League MVP and led the Suns to the NBA Finals

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

1993: McDonald's Open MVP and NBA Season

In 1993, despite back pains, Charles Barkley won the McDonald's Open in Germany and was named the tournament's MVP. In the NBA, he averaged 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, securing a spot in his eighth consecutive All-Star Game, although he couldn't play due to a torn quadriceps tendon.

1995: Final Season with Phoenix Suns

In the 1995-96 season, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, averaging 23.3 points, 11.6 rebounds. He earned his tenth All-Star Game appearance and achieved his 18th career triple-double on November 22. He became the tenth player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in their career.

1996: Leads Dream Team in Scoring and Rebounds

At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley led the team in scoring with 12.4 points and in rebounds with 6.6 rebounds per game, securing another gold medal with a perfect 8-0 record.

1996: Won Second Gold Medal in Olympics

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

1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal at the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games as a member of the United States men's basketball team.

1996: Named to NBA's 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Charles Barkley, as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary, was honored as one of the 50 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team.

March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired Jersey

On March 3, 2001, Auburn retired Charles Barkley's No. 34 jersey.

March 20, 2004: Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor

On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns honored Charles Barkley by including him in the "Suns Ring of Honor" in recognition of his contributions to the team.

2006: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2006, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.

2010: Inducted into Hall of Fame with 'Dream Team'

In 2010, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team".

October 2021: Named to NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, Charles Barkley was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Improved performance at American Century Championship

In 2021, after undergoing training to improve his swing, Charles Barkley showed an improved performance in the American Century Championship pro-am tournament.