Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson and the NBA's All-Time Media Team

Whether it's through the printed word or in some form of video, what an athlete has to say can bring about many different emotions. Happiness, anger, frustration and confusion are just a few of these reactions that occur from interviews.

An interview can be short or long as well as powerful or lifeless.The ten players listed here all have their strengths in different ways as to why they make the list. The most powerful reason any of these players are here is because of their choice of being honest during the interview. It might not be what you want to hear, but it is what they are going to deliver to you. By the way, LeBron's talents did not make this top ten list. Here are the ten who can make a case for All-Media worthy.

10. Kevin Garnett

Garnett sticking it to Starbury and Craig Sager

Kevin Garnett has had a slew of different interview styles he will go to when being addressed. He has no problem critiquing dress attire or simply stating the poor play of a team as is stated in this interview. Garnett was recently voted as the biggest trash talker in the league and one of its dirtiest by his peers. That being noted, one can only wonder what type of dialogue he engages in while on the court.

He is now the man who faces criticism all the time. With players such as Joakim Noah calling him ugly and mean, it makes full sense that K.G. would have a sharp tongue. Oh, Craig Sager how you have been at the mercy of Kevin Garnett.

9. Dwight Howard

Howard being perplexed by compliment.

A funny, goofy and freak of an athlete who enjoys making a joke out of himself and others. Recently it was reported that Dwight Howard is getting into the music scene by doing renditions of "You Can't Touch This" among other famous songs. I was hoping he would shy away from this, so I can only hope that he bring the fun to the endeavor that he does in the after game interviewing.

I think he is still in shock for the praise he got on his attire while sporting the color pink. Howard has many years left in the league and many more opportunities to push landmark interviews or one liners. He might not be having as much fun ragging on others this year as is proof by his statements towards Orlando's defense. Still, he is an energetic, outgoing guy with plenty of one liners to come.

8. Karl Malone

Karl Malone and Ahmad Rashad

Karl Malone has never been afraid to express his opinion even if it puts him in a spot all alone. When Magic Johnson announced he had the AIDS virus, Malone was the one who fully expressed his concern about whether or not other players would contract the disease. His comments many times leave others frustrated or angry with him and I didn't agree with him; but his comments stuck with me. That might be what put Malone in the spotlight for his interviews.

"The Mailman" was around the mic for twenty years and could be very blunt if you allowed him to be. The confidence in his voice as he speaks in a fiery tone gives a sense of trepidation to the interviewer. Making Karl a voice that commands attention. He was brash, arrogant and at the same time somewhat at ease. All traits putting the dominating power forward among the best interviewers.

7. Ron Artest

Ron talking crazy!

Artest has said some hilarious things throughout his career. During his short year in Los Angeles he has put out the most amount of material to display. Whether through his stops on the Jimmy Kimmel or George Lopez Show he has pushed to make the game humorous. His post Game 7 Finals tribute to his psychiatrist might have been the best.

Artest has been slightly out of the limelight during his second year in Tinseltown. This should change come Playoff time. We can only wonder how much he will enjoy trying to promote his next single. Artest is the closest thing we have today to Dennis Rodman in terms of interviews and the whole package.

6. Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is a man who has shown plenty of different types of interviews. He has done a showing in a bridal gown to promote a book, he has broken down at a Planet Hollywood and just given off the wall answers in locker rooms.

His acceptance of the Defensive Player of the Year Award with the Pistons might have been his most poignant moment of all. He broke down and despite all of the negative and positive press that occurred after, he was just fully enjoying the moment with Detroit. Taking it in just like a kid who just had his every wish fulfilled.

5. Shaquille O'Neal

He has had numerous interviews that stand out including the ones where he creates new nicknames for himself. He has named so many nicknames for himself that it has become pointless for him to even have a name. The Sacramento 'Queens' quote has to be among his greatest one liners.

Shaq has been bringing humor since his Rookie campaign in Orlando. Now, entering his grey beard days in Boston, he is unrelenting as ever with his tongue on the mic. He might have left rap; but his voice still carries an opinion in front of the media.

4. Michael Jordan

Michael during 1998 season.

M.J. is here mostly because it seems he has been asked every question ever asked about basketball and then a few about every other thing. After taking the role of statesman from Magic and Larry Bird after their retirements, every minute detail of Jordan's life came into the fold. Where he was going, what he was doing, and how he was doing.

Jordan plenty of times gave the stereotypical interview with prearranged answers that fell in line with neutral sentiments. However, there were times when he would break from the monotony and let go of his feelings. One such time was when he was defending himself from gambling accusations. If you were cool towards Jordan, he would respond with understanding; but make him feel disrespected, and he would make you pay on the court and with his words.

3. Allen Iverson

PRACTICE

A.I. or the Answer has had some lengthy interviews of character during his career. His practice interview is the most infamous of all, but he has had other noteworthy interviews. Whether after games, on talk shows or after practice, Iverson has always been willing to speak candidly and true as to his view on the given topic.

He was a billboard of comments during his Larry Brown years as they would have spats out the ying yang. He never wanted to be Michael, Magic, Larry or Isiah and he wasn't. In his play and also in his words.

2. Rasheed Wallace

"Both Teams Played Hard"

Wallace has been known as Mr. Technical Foul and also as a man who is not afraid to voice his opinion. Both teams played hard is the quote that has been linked with Wallace throughout his career. Now as he enters retirement we can look back at the hilarious statements he has made.

Wallace rubbed more than a few people the wrong way from his beginnings in Washington as a Bullet. As he progressed throughout his career, Wallace gave more than a few potent quotes for the media and all others that had an open ear towards Rasheed. His comments will be missed.

1. Charles Barkley

When it comes to interviews or simply the spoken word in basketball, there is none greater than Charles Barkley. He is excitable, angry, and extremely controversial to name a few features that encompass Sir Charles.

The reason there is no disputing Charles' greatness around the spoken word is that he's more relevant out of the game then he was in it. Like John Madden, his words are heard by all and listened to even when he's only a commentator.

Many have said many of the same things Charles has, but he says the same things with a flair and tenacity few others can match. Then there are things that come out of Barkley's mouth that no one else says. Thus leaving people such as Pat Riley form this interview in a perplexed state of feeling after speaking to Barkley.