You say that like I've never seen that play, nor heard that claim about Barkley blowing the play. Nice try. But, you ain't convincing that play means anything about anyone's defense. It's an old argument Barkley hatas use. Just hogwash. You're a dick for posting that play, like you have some new spin on it that we haven't discussed before....you're schpecial, I guess
After that game, ZERO Rockets fans blamed Barkley. One play did not doom the Rockets. The big blame went to MATT MALONEY. Another reason it's extremely obvious he was not a Rockets fan or a fetus when this happened.
i don't blame Barkley for showing up out of shape. It's understandable after he was promised 12 million but only got 8 million.
So all of this makes sense now. 1. Rockets want Pippen. Barkley agrees to take under the table deal so he can fit under the cap. 2. T Wolves and Joe Smith get caught with under the table deal, NBA takes away draft picks 3. Rockets realize the NBA can track the money, so they decide to not pay Barkley his under the table money. 4. Barkley doesn't get paid, takes his anger out on TNT rants. Mystery solved
There is no new spin on that Bearhug play. In his last season, which means he wasn't out of shape in other seasons....like he says in the quote you are quoting. I guess you don't like that part of the quote.
Well Les kinda had him over a barrel, which is what generally happens when criminals conspire. Les changed the deal from 12 to 8, and what were Barkley's options? 1. Take the money. But you have to keep your mouth shut. 2. Leave in free agency or demand a trade. At his age, what would another team be willing to pay? And he has to start over with a new team, move the family, etc. 3. Rat Les out to the cops. You get your revenge, but you lose the $8m contract and might face additional sanctions. And still have to go Option 2 afterward. 4. Retire. But, you don't get paid that way. Barkley did the economically rational thing and took the money and kept his mouth shut. You make out like he did an honorable thing by staying.
idk, i think by quitting on the season he quit on that play. if that doesn't make sense to you then so be it.
Just my 2 cents on this topic: I understand both perspectives. If I was in the position Barkley was in and got short-changed (like Tinman stated), I would definitely be extremely upset at management. On the other hand, having lived through it as a fan (like all of us here), I was pissed at Chuck because he clearly half-assed it out there (regarding his play on the court) until his knee injury ended it all for him. But I need to know: Why is this horrific video posted in this thread if it has absolutely nothing to do with the story that this thread is based off of????? That damn Stockton shot (May 1997) was over 2 years before the contract issue (1998-99 off-season) and before he blew out his knee and ended his career (December 1999).
Alright kid If you have any issues with these articles , tell the writer @Clutch he's wrong Barkley has knee drained TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1999 11:01 PM CST By Clutch Copyright 1999 ClutchFans.net Though all went well with Charles Barkley's knee surgery on Sunday, (in fact it went better than expected), Barkley returned to workouts, hitting the weight room and beginning his rehab, and he probably did too much too soon. Chuck had to have fluid drained from his knee Tuesday, but it should not set him back more than a day. Mailman: 'Never seen a team get this many injuries' SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 1998 12:23 AM CST By Clutch Copyright 1998 ClutchFans.net The Rockets have been plagued with injuries this season, and currently are without Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Hakeem Olajuwon and Matt Maloney. The Jazz are wary of the Rockets and not about to take them lightly for the playoffs because they're injured now. Said Jazz power forward Karl Malone on the Rockets' injuries, "I've never seen a team get this many injuries. Never." Stick around Houston, Karl. It gets worse. Barkley wants Houston WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1999 8:50 AM CST By Clutch Copyright 1999 ClutchFans.net Despite talks with the Lakers, Sonics and Jazz, free agent power forward Charles Barkley said he wants to remain with the Rockets and he hopes to have a deal signed within 2 weeks. Barkley told KRIV in Houston, "My preference, I want to stay with the Rockets and I hope everything works out. I'm flattered that other teams are interested, but I enjoy playing here in Houston." Barkley went on to say John Stockton called him about joining the Jazz. "That meant a great deal to me because he's someone I really admire and respect. Utah is a very interesting situation for me but my preference is to stay with the Rockets." Respect Stockton? Sounds like Chuck isn't going to pass the mar1juana testing. If Chuck does pass on the Jazz, it's going to upset several Utah fans who have been calling in local radio shows hoping the Jazz can sign the Chuckster. Amazing how your feelings for a player change when he's on your team.
You have a teenager in this generation who is extremely sensitive to media on tv or internet being completely angered by Charle's take on the Rockets for years that he's willing to deceive new Rockets fans about the truth of that situation.
Basketballreference and this page say that Barkley made $9 million in his last year, not $8 million. 1. Barkley agreed to a 1-year $1m contract in the summer of 1998. 2. Joe Smith agrees to a 1-year $1.75m contract in the summer of 1998. 3. Joe Smith signs another deal for 1 year, $2.1m in the summer of 1999. 4. Barkley signs for $9m in the summer of 1999. 5. Joe Smith signs a third small deal for 1 year, $2.5m in the summer of 2000. 6. In October 2000, the NBA cancels his contract and bird rights and punishes the Timberwolves. Changing the deal was not catalyzed by fear caused by the Joe Smith scandal, which hadn't happened yet. Barkley played his last game 6 months before. Good recap here: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/nba-joe-smith-illegal-contract-timberwolves.
He was never in shape in Houston. Watch that video. The Rockets did the right thing. They knew he was lazy and he only stayed in shape by playing NBA games.
THANK YOU to the 99'ers who know what they are talking about. *applause* The Barkley - Rocket era is the most hater driven, fact twisted, misremembered part in Rockets history. You know-it-all non 90's watching (or born) Barkley haters want to really blame somebody? Blame the whole team in game 6. We choked that 13 point 4th Q. lead away because we couldn't throw the ball into an ocean at that point, or how we couldn't guard a bank with a machine gun. Everybody remembers and points to Barkley for "the shot" but nobody remembers "the collapse". I do. And if ****ing hurt.
Something is wrong when your power forward is guarding their point guard at the 3 point line. This is the case in ANY ERA of basketball.
