CHARLES BARKLEY
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Charles entered the 1984 NBA draft as a junior and was taken by the 76ers with the fifth overall pick. Barkley joined a veteran-laden teams with stars such as Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Maurice Cheecks—players who took Philadelphia to the 1983 NBA championship. Yet, Barkley averaged 14.0 ppg and 8.6 rpg and earned a berth on the NBA All-Rookie Team. Barkley’s fourth year, his first as co-captain of the Sixers, proved to be one of his most productive seasons. He finished fourth in the NBA in scoring (28.3 ppg), sixth in rebounding (11.9 rpg), third in field goal percentage (.587) and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. It was a bittersweet season, however as he also missed the playoffs for the first time.

Barkley was a true superstar by the end of the 1998-89 season. He was named to the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive season and made his third straight All-Star Game appearance. In 1990, he finished second in MVP voting behind Magic Johnson, was the Sporting News and Basketball Weekly Player of the year as well as being named the All-NBA First Team for the third straight year. The following season, Barkley garnered MVP honors at the 1991 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte as he led the East to a 116-114 win over the West.

2006 Inducted in Basketball Hall of Fame.

Email: personality@positivesideofsports.com

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