Born in Leeds, Alabama, on February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley made a name for himself in the NBA as a power forward. Earning himself the nickname Sir Charles, Barkley carries the title of NBA Most Valuable Player for 1993 and, in 1996, was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was a member of the famed 1992 US Olympic Dream Team and holds gold medals in association with both this team and the 1996 team.

Though Barkley is only about 6'4” (his listed height is 6'6”), he is well known as a tenacious, rugged rebounder, an excellent scorer, and a conscious team player. He played basketball in college for Auburn University for three years, leading the league in rebounds each year. He mainly played center in college, then left the school a year early to enter the NBA

During the early years of his career, Barkley was well known for a weight problem, topping 300 pounds and earning a nickname of "The Round Mound of Rebound” back in college. Every year that he played with the 76ers, except 1988 and 1992, they reached the playoffs. However, in 1992, Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns.