Bobbiot Garcia & Charles Barkley

Just as the NBA season was getting underway, we traveled to Philadelphia for an event with Charles Barkley to celebrate the remix of Nike’s classic Air Force 1 in the colorways of Chuck’s high school, college and professional teams. As you would expect, one of the game’s all-time greats was more than happy to speak his mind on everything from the AAU system to Bobby Knight to breaking down ‘Melo, LeBron and D-Wade.

TEN THINGS STRAIGHT FROM … CHARLES BARKLEY
Basketball Hall of Famer, 11-time NBA All-Star, 44

1. I wore plain white Nikes with the black swoosh in high school. My mom bought me one pair and told me that I needed to make sure that they lasted the whole season. After the game we’d be in the locker room and hear a knock on the door. All of a sudden, I’d see my mom sneak in, grab the shoes and get out.

2. I got nervous before every game. During the playoffs and big games, it only got more intense. I would sit down with coaches and teammates before games and get ready by writing down what guys on the other team didn’t do well. We’d go through their weaknesses, player by player. I always knew when we were going up against “leakers” – you know, guys who try to leak out on the fast break.

3. I hate the AAU system. It’s not right what they do taking kids away from schools. It’s not the kids that they’re looking to help. We gotta do something to hold them accountable.

4. I heard that guy Frank Caliendo’s doing impressions of me. All he could get right is how I say “terrible.” He doesn’t sound like me otherwise. And he doesn’t look nearly as good as I do. He’s not really a good lookin’ fella.

5. I’m smart enough to know my limitations. The only way that I’m stepping out on the floor is if I’m going against someone who is older and slower than me.

6. I like Bobby Knight. He graduates his players. They’re going to use you, someone’s going to have your jersey next year. You need to use them, get an education.

7. Dwyane Wade is a terrific guy. I get together with him twice a year to shoot the commercials. I really like him and I really respect him. But he’s not in my Fave-5.

8. Carmelo Anthony is a much better offensive player than LeBron. I mean, LeBron is more well-rounded, but if you’re looking for a guy to score, you gotta go with Carmelo. But I’d take Dwyane over both of those guys.

9. We took a lot of heat from the press when we ran the “I Am Not a Role Model” campaign. I wanted to start a debate and it’s the greatest thing I’ve done in my life. I’ve though about making a new commercial – even if it ends up with me being compared to Bill Cosby. It’s going to be controversial. All I know is that right now, it is the greatest time for black people to be alive.

10. Kevin McHale is the greatest player I have played against. Period.

You can find this interview in Dime #39, on bookstores and newsstands now.