The Round Mound of Rebound — NBA MVP in 1993 and one of the most dominant power forwards in history despite being considered undersized.
Charles Wade Barkley was born in Leeds, Alabama in 1963. Philadelphia 76ers drafted him fifth overall in 1984. Despite being considered undersized at 6ft 4in for power forward, he became the most dominant rebounding forward of his era through superior positioning and relentless effort — leading the league in rebounds per game three times. He won the NBA MVP award in 1993, leading the Phoenix Suns to the Finals where they lost to Chicago. He averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game across 16 NBA seasons. He won two Olympic gold medals with the Dream Team in 1992 and 1996. He was selected to 11 All-Star games and named to the All-NBA First Team five times. He was named to both the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He never won an NBA championship — the one absence from an otherwise outstanding career record. After retirement he became one of the most entertaining television personalities in American sports, known for his blunt, unfiltered commentary on TNT's Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.
Dominant power forward despite undersized height, exceptional rebounding, MVP season with Phoenix Suns
How They Played
Physical, aggressive rebounder and scorer, excellent court vision, strong post presence despite 6'6" height
Lasting Impact
One of greatest power forwards ever, member of Dream Team, Hall of Fame inductee, influential NBA analyst
NBA MVP 1993
He averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game across his career despite standing just 6ft 6in at a position typically played by 6ft 9in+ players.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- NBA MVP 1993
- All-Star 11x
- All-NBA First Team 5x
- Olympic Gold 1992, 1996
- NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Rebounds Leader 1987 (14.6 rpg)