Will We Ever See Another Prospect Like Charles Barkley
It's a different game...I think guys like Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer fit the undersized but dominate pF...Both of them are 6'8 though...Blair could be a rebounder like Barkley but neveer match the offensive skill he had...Blair is 6'6...I think there will be a short guy with crazy game on the inside...Not like Barkley,,...
It was very possible that Mobley could have been 6'2 or 6'3 (minus shoes); therefore, Barkley could only be 6'4 without shoes.
"But you play the game WITH shoes!"
Some guys show up to measurement with "shoes" that make them 1.5 - 2.25 inches taller. In comparison, the average pair of Timberland boots makes the wearer 1.5 inches taller, while the average pair of high heels makes the wearer 3 inches taller.
We all know that basketball players are sometimes listed an inch, sometimes 2 inches taller than what they really are, so the fact that Cuttino Mobley is listed at 6'5" doesn't mean too much. In the vid Barkley looks about an inch or two taller, but for all we know, Cuttino might not actually be 6'5". Besides, unless Charles is lying, in the book he wrote (May Be Wrong But I Doubt It), he admitted that his actual height was 6'4", so that is more proof that a basketball player's listed height isn't always correct.
I think we're getting sidetracked by this whole Cuttino Mobley vs. Barkley height thing. I feel like Steroid's point was that Sir Charles completely dominated as a very undersized player at his position and is a very unique player. Dejuan Blair is a close comparison physically (probably 6'6'', really long arms, wide base), but Blair still can't touch Charles in terms of his versatility and skills. Barkley could handle the ball, developed a jump shot, and relentlessly went for every rebound. While we are in a different era in the game where athleticism may be emphasized, I still think Barkley would be a superstar and get 25+ and 12+ during his prime. I don't think we'll see a player like Charles Barkley again (on and off the court)
I've met Barkley a few times when I used to work at a hotel and we are almost identical in height and I'm right around 6'4". The guy is definitely not very tall, but he does have very long arms. The most amazing thing about Charles to me is how fast and agile he was early in his career when, well, when he was fat. I mean the guy was carrying at least 50 lbs of philly cheesesteaks around with him at all times.
The thing is that there are a few guys who have Barkley's physique and athleticism, but you have to go to the NFL to find them.
Barkley was also an excellent passer and had a very high Bball IQ, although the guy is a legit 6'10'' I think there is some of Barkley's game in Kevin Love, very good use of his body for rebounding, can play low or face up and shoot jumpers and is a pretty good passer. Barkley is a hall of famer so prospects like him don't come around very often, but there is a little bit of Barkley's influence in a lot of players around the league. You know guys like he and Rodman were watched by undersized powerforwards growing up over the past decade, so I see the influence he had on the position, but as far as a 6'4'' hall of fame power forward who was as well rounded (no pun intended ) as Sir Charles is probably pretty slim.
Charles Barkley, in my opinion, was one of the most unique players to have ever came into the league in terms of physique and most of all, talent. He played and dominated PF, had the height of a SG/PG at 6'4" (even though he was listed at 6'6") . Even though he had weight issues a lot during his career, that didn't hurt his numbers at all as one of the most efficient offensive players ever, and not to mention his rebounding. He was an average, but athletic defender. The closest player, in terms of uniqueness, is LeBron James. Well we all know that LBJ exceeds Charles as an overall player and athlete, but who could dominate on the inside with the size that Charles had? Does anyone see another player like Charles?