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, nicknamed "Sir Charles" among other monikers, is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Playing for 16 seasons in the NBA, he was known for his exceptional rebounding and scoring abilities despite being shorter than most power forwards. Barkley's career highlights include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. His achievements led to his inclusion in the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.

Sections (5)

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

1956: Mention of 1956 U.S. Olympic team record

In 1992, the 'Dream 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: Most Rebounds in an All-Star Game Since Wilt Chamberlain

During the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley had 22 rebounds in an All-Star Game, which was the most since Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 in 1967.

1976: Suns First NBA Finals Appearance

In 1976, before Charles Barkley joined the team, the Phoenix Suns made their first NBA Finals appearance.

1983: Philadelphia 76ers NBA Championship

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers, including Julius Erving and Moses Malone, had won the NBA championship prior to Barkley joining the team in 1984.

1984: SEC Player of the Year

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

1985: Named to the All-Rookie First Team

In 1985, during his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, 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 game against the Indiana Pacers.

1986: Rebounding Leader

Charles Barkley is the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding in 1986, averaging 14.6 rebounds per game.

1986: Led the League in Rebounding Average

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

1986: Leading NBA in 2-Point Field Goal Percentage

In 1986, Charles Barkley began a streak of leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage, showcasing his efficiency and scoring ability.

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

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

1986: Most turnovers in a 7-game series

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

March 4, 1987: Most offensive rebounds in a half

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

March 20, 1987: 25 Rebounds Against Denver Nuggets

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

1987: Leading NBA in Multiple Percentages

In 1987, Charles Barkley was leading NBA in both 2-point field goal and effective field goal percentage, showcasing his efficient offense.

1988: Continues to Lead in Offensive Percentage

In 1988, Charles Barkley continued to lead the league in effective field goal percentage, reinforcing his status as a dominant offensive player.

1989: Runner Up MVP

During the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting behind Magic Johnson.

1989: Leading League in Offensive Rating

In 1989, Charles Barkley's performance led the league in offensive rating, showing his skill as a scorer.

1990: Consistent Offensive Dominance

By 1990, Charles Barkley continued to demonstrate consistent offensive dominance, leading the league in offensive rating, adding to his reputation as a versatile and accurate scorer.

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

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

1992: Olympics Gold Medal

Charles Barkley won a gold medal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team in 1992.

1992: Competed in the Olympics

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

1992: First Olympics with Dream Team

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games for the first time as part of the "Dream Team," winning a gold medal and setting an Olympic single-game scoring record.

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 free throws made while playing for the Phoenix Suns against the Seattle SuperSonics.

1993: League MVP

Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors in 1993, solidifying his status as a top player in the NBA.

1996: Led Team in Scoring and Rebounds at Olympics

At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage, contributing to another gold medal victory.

1996: Earned Another Olympic Gold Medal

Charles Barkley earned a second gold medal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team in 1996.

1996: NBA's 50th Anniversary Team selection

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

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scored a memorable basket, and retired from the NBA.

March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired Barkley's Jersey

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

March 20, 2004: Induction into Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor

On March 20, 2004, Charles Barkley was honored by the Phoenix Suns with induction into the "Suns Ring of Honor", recognizing his contributions to the team and his basketball career.

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 as part of '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, Charles Barkley showed improved performance at the American Century Championship pro-am tournament due to training to improve his golf swing.