Charles Barkley: Top 10 Moments on the Court and In the Studio

Charles Barkley, the "Round Mound of Rebound"or "Sir Charles".

Basketball and the NBA just wouldn't be the same if it hadn't experienced the roller coaster ride of Charles Barkley.

Over his career he has had many defining moments, both bright and dark. 

At times controversial and at other times rolling on the ground funny, Barkley's antics are simply unforgettable.

Let's take a look at some of his best moments.

10. Auburn Career

Before Barkley entered the league, he was a standout on the court for Auburn University.  

In his collegiate career with the Tigers he averaged 14.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.

He is part of Auburn's All-Century team and won multiple awards during his three years with the Tigers, including SEC Player of the Decade for the 1980's.

But the most impressive part of it all?

Barkley lined up at center for the Eagles. Though officially listed at 6'6", Barkley claims he was actually 6'4" in college.  

Now that's what I call undersized.

9. T-Mobile "myFaves" Commercials

You knew it was coming, the T-Mobile "myFaves" commercials.

In these short skits, Barkley and Heat star Dwyane Wade go back and forth trying to convince each other why they should be in each other's "fave five."

Who wouldn't want to be in Sir Charles' fave five?  After all, he is a legend, an icon, and everyone knows him.

Right, Charles?

8. Wearing 32 for Magic

The 1991-1992 season would be Barkley's last in the city of Philadelphia, and in that last season he decided to wear the number 32 to honor Magic Johnson.

Johnson had announced before the season that he was HIV positive.

When asked if players were worried about potential contact with someone HIV positive like Johnson, Barkley responded in a way only Barkley would.

"We're just playing basketball.  It's not like we're going out to have unprotected sex with Magic."

7. Ginobili Rant

"GINOBILI! GINOBILI! GINOBILI!"

How could you forget this Barkley moment on TNT?

My writing simply can't do this moment justice, you'll have to see for yourself.

6. Rockets Debut

In pursuit of a title, Barkley found himself in Houston teaming up with greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.

Wait, I thought Barkley believed players were supposed to try to win championships on their own?

Anyway, back to his Rockets debut.

In his first game with the team, Barkley acquired an astounding career high 33 rebounds.

Unfortunately for Barkley, the rest of his time in Houston wouldn't play out as well.

5. Golf Swing

I know, this isn't on the court or in the studio.

Rather, it's on the links.

But how can you write an article like this about Charles Barkley and not include his notorious golf swing?

Barkley has always been an avid golfer, taking part in many celebrity tournaments and even some that are televised.

If you haven't seen his swing yet, let's just say it's slightly unorthodox.

4. Dream Team

Barkley was a huge part of the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic men's basketball teams, otherwise known as the "Dream Team".

The team won the gold medals both years.

Barkley led the 1992 team in scoring with 18 points per game on an amazing 71 percentage field goal shooting.

In 1996 Barkley averaged 12.4 points per game on an even more amazing  81.6 percentage field goal shooting, which is a U.S. Olympic men's record.

3. Mocking Sammy Sosa

Slightly controversial, but hilarious at the same time.

That would be a good definition for Barkley's entire career.

This moment on TNT was no different, as Barkley had white make up put on to make fun of Sammy Sosa's skin rejuvenating fiasco.

2. Footrace Men's Versus Dick Bavetta

Another unforgettable moment by Barkley with his antics.

In 2007 during a broadcast with Marv Albert, Barkley was making fun of referee Dick Bavetta's age.

Albert proceeded to state that he believed Bavetta would beat Barkley in a footrace.

And it was on.

The footrace was to take place during the NBA All-Star weekend, with the length of the race set at three and a half court lengths.

Honestly, Bavetta had a solid shot at beating the Round Mound of Rebound in this one.

Have you seen the shape that old man is in?

However, Barkley proceeded to win the race and exchanged a close good sportsmanship hug with Bavetta after.  Perhaps too close.

You be the judge.

1. NBA Legacy

Yes, Barkley may be controversial at times. Yes, his career was full of shocking antics, both funny and inappropriate.

But what can't be overshadowed is his greatness in the game, his legacy as a basketball player.

SLAM magazine listed Barkley as one of the 20 greatest players of all time, and rightfully so.

In his Hall of Fame career he racked up an MVP award, 11 all-star selections, and two gold medals.

He is also only one of five players to attain 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists in their career.

While some may question his character and actions off the court, no one can question his greatness on it.