It's way early to get excited about this, but Chuck was at practice to do an interview for Charlotte TV and mentioned his rehab was going well and if things keep on progressing he just may be able to get into the last game of the season. I'd just really love to see the guy play one more game....maybe the game that gets us INTO the playoffs?!! One can dream. ------------------ The key for the Rockets is a winning attitude and mentality which can only be had by winning basketball games.
I was really looking forward to seeing Chucks last game this year. That would be sweet if he came back for one more, but I seriously doubt it.
'Pimp blows by his man and scoops it in. Interesting Barkley would say that... that injury would be career-threatening for a 25-year old, much less a 37-year guy. I doubt he could come back, but nice to see his heart is still into it. Thanks for the scoop RP.
This is great news. We have to make the playoffs now and who knows Pheonix is the 2nd to last game we play and they currently hold the 8th seed.
If nothing else, it further goes to prove that Chuck's heart is in the right place. ------------------ "There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and STATISTICS..." - Mark Twain -
Just thought I would add something to this story, I wasn't going to, but now that it is out I will add my two cents. I went to the Portland game a few weeks back, in which Charles was at the game. However, he was in the locker room (I think he even did an interview with TNT) working out with his orthopedic surgeon and watching the game. Well anyways the person I was with, went down to the locker room at half, and talked to Charles and the Doctor. To make a long story short, Charles said that there is no doubt, he will try and play a game this year for the fans, at the end of the season. The doctor, even went on to say, that Charles could almost play now if he wanted to, but there is no way they would let him now, in fear he could do worse damage. Well that is enough info, I don't want to say too much more than that, or the person who took me to the game make get upset. Just thought I would add a little more info to it for you guys.
Chuck might be coming back!!!!!????? Wouldn't surprise me a bit. Chuck has always been a warrior ....remember him bringing down double figures in points and rebounds combined even while injured. If we make the playoffs those two shot-blockers we have in DREAM and CATO can take us a long way; add in Charles for an emotional lift and who knows.... ------------------ GO ROCKETS!!!!!!!!
How's that for a dramatic ending? The Houston Rockets season appeared in shambles when Charles Barkley's career came to a crashing end. The Rockets were running in mud, with the 3rd worst record at the time. But now, under the leadership of rookie guard Steve Francis, the Rockets have fought all the way into the playoff picture, and are currently tied for the 8th seed with the Phoenix Suns. Charles Barkley, a warrior in every sense of the word, makes his heroic return to the court to help the Rockets try and reach the playoffs. It's the Suns and the Rockets. Right here...on NBC.
At least let him WALK off the court like the true warrior he is. It would be an awesome and inspiring sight. DaDakota
I would love to see Charles play his last game weather it be in a playoff game or in the Pheonix game. I hope the current Rockets use this as motivation and make one last push for that 8th spot.
Feigen and the Chronicle now confirming what 'Pimp said: Barkley's rehabilitation stays ahead of schedule By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2000 Houston Chronicle Bingo might not be Charles Barkley's only competitive outlet after all. Retirement, no matter what the commercial said, might have to wait for more basketball. Barkley's return to a basketball court remains questionable. But his rehabilitation from his Dec. 8 ruptured quadriceps tendon is so far ahead of schedule, he and Rockets physical therapist Russ Paine said Tuesday that Barkley could come back and play this season. "I'm just working real hard," Barkley, 36, said Tuesday. "I'm way ahead of schedule, but everything has to be perfect and I would still only get back for the last couple games. But that's something I can't really discuss until I see how the next two months are going to go. Everything would have to be perfect." Paine was far more optimistic. A week ago, Paine described Barkley's chances of playing this season as remote. Tuesday, he said he thinks Barkley probably will make it back to 100 percent in time to play this season. The Rockets' last two games are April 18 in Phoenix, Barkley's home, and April 19 against the Grizzlies. When Barkley was injured in Philadelphia, doctors estimated rehabilitation would take six months, too long for him to return this season. "I think he will play," Paine said. "I always thought it was possible, but now I think it's a real strong possibility. But one thing, I won't let him out there unless he's ready to play 100 percent. I won't let him, because I don't trust him. I don't trust him to go out there and make an appearance. If he's going to play, he's going to be 100 percent. We're going to do jumping drills. He's going to be able to run, to sprint up and down the court. I won't let him go out at 80 or 90 percent." But his return this season is contingent on his rehabilitation maintaining its current pace and that there are no setbacks.
I think this is more of Chuck wanting to "play one more", rather than coming back to be a factor in the playoffs. Not that I mind that one bit. I just don't think Rocket fans should get their hopes up thinking Sir Charles will be available for the 'second season'. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem.
I once was lost... Not only are we 8 of 11 but now.... -gulp- this is something that I always wondered about (Charles coming back for the playoffs like the 98 series where the Rockets came out of nowhere... chuck was 'possible/probable' and they stole the game in Utah) but I think I'll try to be more rationale, and focus on the 37 game win streak that we're going for. one step at a time. but an 8 seed matchup w/ the Lakers would look great w/ Charles pushing Shaq off of the block. Damn.
I would rather get within 2 wins of the playoffs, have Chuck's return carry us emotionally over that line, and take the Lakers or Blazers to 5 games than get a lottery pick. That story would be just too damn good to pass up. Especially if Pippen gets in the way of Chuck's elbow and has to spend the next six months in one of those Robert Horry face masks.
Good call Will! Someone needs to fix Quitten's nose, might as well be Sir Charles Barkley M.D. ------------------ The key for the Rockets is a winning attitude and mentality which can only be had by winning basketball games.
This is an amazing story. I still don't know if it is possible, or (as mentioned above) if it may not be a motivational tool for the Rockets to push hard for the playoffs. If nothing else I would love to see Charles go out on his own terms, even if it is only for a one game comeback. Especially against Phoenix it would be an awesome display for the fans of CB, both in Houston & those remaining in phoenix. Get well Chuck!
I read this in the Chron this morning. The second to last game of the season is at Phoenix. If Chuck were to do it, it would be then. And it would be amazing! ------------------ Bring It!!
This is impossible. I don't care what my hero says. He'll be 100% walking and jogging...but jumping, no chance. He severed his primary jumping muscle from the bone. Clutch...I'd go for a betting pool. Name the stakes.
Do we have any medics in the house? I'd like to hear what sort of technology they have these days for reattaching muscle to bone and making the junction knit back together quickly. I bet there's been amazing progress on this.
