Charles Barkley Once Referenced Being A ‘Hero’ À La Larry Bird When Pondering Over His Potential Retirement

Charles Barkley agreed with Larry Bird’s take on retirement, suggesting that he would call it quits when he wouldn’t be able to continue being his team’s hero. Barkley’s memoir came out in 1994 when he was right in the prime of his career. His iconic quote on the topic was also present in the book ‘Sir Charles: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles Barkley’

He had just won the MVP the previous season and led his team to the NBA Finals against the great Chicago Bulls. Speaking about retirement, Barkley referenced a famous Larry Bird quote:

“Like Larry Bird said, it’s time for someone else to be the hero.”

Bird, as most NBA fans can recall, had his career shortened due to a devastating back injury he suffered during the 1990-91 season. By the time August 1992 had rolled around the ‘Great White Hope’ hung up his Converse and walked away from the realm of professional basketball as a player.

Of course, just like Larry Bird, injuries played a part in forcing Barkley into retirement as well. Barkley suffered a left quadriceps tendon in the 1999-2000 season, at the age of 36. He announced his retirement after the 1999-2000 season but convinced the Rockets to let him play a single game the following season, in order to retire the “right way.”

Barkley claimed there was only one good thing to come out of Michael Jordan’s retirement

While Michael Jordan and Chuck eventually ended up feuding, they were close friends during their NBA career. The two would regularly play golf together, and would regularly bet large amounts of money.

In his memoir, Barkley claimed that the only good thing to come out of MJ’s retirement was the fact that he would improve at golf. This would mean Jordan would be forced to give Barkley a handicap, ironically playing into his way.

Michael Jordan | Charles Barkley Golf Swing | The Oprah Winfrey Show #NBA #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/L5F7jdSJ2R

— The Jordan Rules (@Rules23Jordan) October 7, 2022

Just like MJ and Larry Bird, Barkley had an unparalleled love for the game which was apparent throughout his career. While he never won the NBA, he still goes down as one of the most dominant players to ever play in the league.