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", is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. He played 16 seasons in the NBA, primarily as a power forward, despite being shorter than average for the position. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess, Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to 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

1967: Most rebounds in an All-Star Game since 1967

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds in an All-Star game.

1983: 76ers won NBA championship

In 1983, prior to Barkley joining the team, the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA championship.

1984: SEC Player of the Year

In 1984, Charles Barkley received the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year award during his college career at Auburn University.

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: Recorded Career High Assists

On November 4, 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists in a 125–121 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

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

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

1986: NBA Leading in 2-Point Field Goal Percentage

In 1986, Charles Barkley began a streak of leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage, achieving this feat every season from 1986-87 to 1990-91.

1986: Most turnovers in a 7-game series

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

1986: Led the NBA in Rebounding

In 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the NBA in rebounding, averaging a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game and becoming the shortest player in NBA history to achieve this.

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

In the 1986-87 NBA season, Charles Barkley led the league in rebounding average and earned 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: Recorded 25 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 116–106 win over the Denver Nuggets.

1987: NBA Leading in Effective Field Goal Percentage

In 1987, Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage for the 1986–87 season.

November 30, 1988: Recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds and 6 steals

On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a 114–106 win over the Blazers.

1988: NBA Leading in Effective Field Goal Percentage

In 1988, Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage for the 1987–88 season.

1989: Finished second in MVP voting

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

1989: NBA Leading in Offensive Rating

In 1989, Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating for the 1988–89 season.

1990: NBA Leading in Offensive Rating

In 1990, Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating for the 1989–90 season.

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

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

1992: Olympic Debut and Gold Medal Win

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games for the first time after international rules changed, allowing NBA players to participate. He won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball "Dream Team".

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: Gold medal as part of the "Dream Team"

In 1992, Charles Barkley earned a gold medal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team.

1992: Trade to Phoenix Suns and Olympic Appearance

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking a successful transition for both parties. Additionally, international rules changed, allowing NBA players like Barkley to compete in the Olympics for the first time, where he joined the "Dream Team".

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

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

1993: League MVP Honors

In 1993, Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors.

1993: Named NBA MVP

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

1993: McDonald's Open MVP and Injury Struggles

In 1993, despite facing severe back pain, Charles Barkley began the 1993-94 season by winning the McDonald's Open in Germany and being named the tournament's MVP. He also played in the NBA, battling injuries, including a torn right quadriceps tendon.

1993: Voted League MVP and Led Suns to NBA Finals

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

1995: Final Season with the Phoenix Suns

In 1995, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals. He achieved his tenth All-Star Game appearance and recorded his 18th career triple-double on November 22, 1995. He was then traded to Houston after the Suns closed out the season with a 41–41 record.

1996: Led Team in Scoring, Rebounds and Field Goal Percentage at the 1996 Olympics

At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Barkley led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage. He averaged 12.4 points on 81.6% field goal shooting, setting a U.S. Men's Olympic record.

1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal

Charles Barkley wins his second gold medal at the Olympic games in 1996.

1996: Named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team

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

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies. He scored a memorable basket and then retired, concluding his sixteen-year Hall of Fame career and walking off the court on his own terms.

2000: Retired from the NBA

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

2000: Studio analyst for TNT

Since 2000, Charles Barkley has worked as a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, as well as special NBA events, and winning five Sports Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Studio Analyst" for his work on TNT.

March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired No. 34 Jersey

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

March 20, 2004: Phoenix Suns honored Barkley in "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 achievements.

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