Jazz Legend John Stockton Tried Recruiting Charles Barkley As a ‘Last Hurrah’ for an NBA Championship

In 1984, the NBA saw some of the greatest players in league history join them. From the likes of Michael Jordan to Hakeem Olajuwon. There were quite a few Hall of Famers, including Charles Barkley.

Sir Charles, as he was fondly referred to, spent 16 seasons in the NBA. Playing for the 76ers, Suns, and Rockets, Barkley had career averages of 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

He won several awards along the way, including an MVP. However, one thing always eluded him, an NBA Championship. Something he may have won if he joined John Stockton and the Utah Jazz.

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John Stockton tried convincing Charles Barkley to join the Jazz in 1999

The 1999-2000 season was a big deal. The NBA would be transitioning from the 20th century to the 21st, losing a few players to retirement along the way. One of the retirees was none other than Charles Barkley.

The Round Mound of Rebound, was in his 16th season in the league, representing the Houston Rockets. However, prior to the season’s beginning, a couple of other teams showed interest in acquiring the services of Sir Charles. Primary among them was the Utah Jazz. According to reports, Hall of Famer John Stockton attempted to lure Charles to Salt Lake City.

“He would have made up for a lot of the mistakes elsewhere on the court.”

Unfortunately for the Jazz, Barkley had had enough. The 6’6″ forward had no interest in creating another gaining “Big 3” with Stockton and Malone.

Instead, he decided to make the 1999-2000 season his final one. Following this, he became an analyst for TNT on Inside the NBA where he would make major dough.

Sir Charles has signed a huge multi-year deal with TNT to stay with Inside the NBA

It has been 22 years since Charles Barkley hung up his sneakers. Since then, he has made a name for himself as an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA. He had even committed his future to the show signing a massive 10-year deal worth more than $100 million.

Charles Barkley has agreed to a new 10-year deal with TNT that is expected to be worth “well north” of $100 million, per @nypost. pic.twitter.com/1Uf0tQYvTB

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 17, 2022

It truly is a crazy deal. One that many will not be complaining about. After all, Chuck is an integral part of the TNT crew.

Also Read: “I’d Bust Charles Barkley’s A**”: Dwight Howard Claims He’d Beat 1993 MVP One-on-One