History of Charles Oakley in Timeline

Charles Oakley is a retired American professional basketball player, primarily known for his formidable presence as a power forward in the NBA. He spent a significant portion of his 19-year career with the New York Knicks, where he established himself as a premier rebounder and defensive player. Oakley also played for the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets. Since retiring from the NBA, he has transitioned into coaching, currently leading the Killer 3's in the BIG3 basketball league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 18, 1963: Charles Oakley Born

On December 18, 1963, Charles Oakley, a future professional basketball player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1984: College career at Virginia Union University

In 1984, Charles Oakley was playing for Virginia Union University.

1985: Led Virginia Union to NCAA Championship

In 1985, Charles Oakley led Virginia Union University to the NCAA Division II championship with a 31-1 record. He averaged 24 points and 17.3 rebounds per game, earning him the NCAA Division II Player of the Year award.

1985: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers and traded to Chicago Bulls

In 1985, Charles Oakley was drafted 9th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft, but his rights were traded to the Chicago Bulls.

March 15, 1986: Career High in Points Scored

On March 15, 1986, Charles Oakley scored a career-high 35 points in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

April 26, 1987: Postseason Career High in Points

On April 26, 1987, Charles Oakley scored a postseason career-high 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a loss to the Boston Celtics.

June 1, 1994: Game 5 Eastern Conference Finals

On June 1, 1994, Charles Oakley recorded 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 5 loss against the Indiana Pacers during the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks won the series.

March 11, 1998: Season High in Rebounds

On March 11, 1998, Charles Oakley grabbed a season-high 22 rebounds in a loss against the Charlotte Hornets.

1998: Traded to Toronto Raptors

In 1998, Charles Oakley was traded from the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors.

January 7, 2001: Career High in Blocks

On January 7, 2001, Charles Oakley achieved a career-high with 6 blocks, also recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

2001: Traded to Chicago Bulls

In 2001, Charles Oakley was traded by the Toronto Raptors back to the Chicago Bulls for Brian Skinner.

2002: Second tenure with the Bulls

In 2002, Charles Oakley played his second tenure with the Chicago Bulls.

2002: Signed with Washington Wizards

In 2002, Charles Oakley signed with the Washington Wizards, reuniting with former teammate Michael Jordan.

2003: Final NBA season

2003 marked Charles Oakley's last season in the NBA.

March 18, 2004: Signed with Houston Rockets

On March 18, 2004, Charles Oakley signed the first of two 10-day contracts with the Houston Rockets.

2005: CIAA Hall of Fame induction

In 2005, Charles Oakley was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame after his successful career at Virginia Union University.

2007: Attempted NBA comeback

In 2007, at age 44, Charles Oakley attempted an NBA comeback, with several teams reportedly interested.

May 28, 2010: Incident at Aria Resort and Casino

On May 28, 2010, Charles Oakley was involved in an incident at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, leading to a lawsuit filed in 2011.

December 26, 2010: Hired as Assistant Coach

On December 26, 2010, Charles Oakley was hired as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats.

2010: Health issues

During the 2010-11 season, Charles Oakley experienced health issues with back pain.

December 1, 2011: Left Assistant Coach Position

On December 1, 2011, Charles Oakley left his position as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats due to health issues.

2011: Filed Lawsuit Against Aria Resort and Casino

In 2011, Charles Oakley filed a lawsuit against the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, alleging assault by security guards on May 28, 2010.

April 30, 2016: Inducted into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

On April 30, 2016, Charles Oakley was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

July 30, 2016: Married Angela Reed

On July 30, 2016, Charles Oakley married Angela Reed.

September 2016: Charles Oakley Way

In September 2016, a portion of Deering Street in Charles Oakley's hometown of Cleveland was renamed Charles Oakley Way in his honor.

February 8, 2017: Altercation at Madison Square Garden

On February 8, 2017, Charles Oakley was involved in an altercation at Madison Square Garden during a Knicks game, leading to his ejection and arrest. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and criminal trespassing.

February 13, 2017: Meeting at NBA Headquarters

On February 13, 2017, Michael Jordan and Adam Silver met with Charles Oakley and James L. Dolan at NBA headquarters to discuss the incident at Madison Square Garden. Both Oakley and Dolan apologized.

February 14, 2017: Ban Lifted

On February 14, 2017, Charles Oakley's ban from Madison Square Garden was lifted.

September 12, 2017: Filed Civil Lawsuit

On September 12, 2017, Charles Oakley filed a civil lawsuit regarding the incident at Madison Square Garden.

2017: Coaching the Killer 3's

In 2017, Charles Oakley became the coach of the Killer 3's team in the BIG3 basketball league.

March 11, 2019: Oakley's Retort

On March 11, 2019, Charles Oakley stated that James L. Dolan bullies people because of money and power and admitted that there wasn't any reason to reconcile with Dolan. Oakley also noted that the incident had damaged his relationship with the Knicks.