Charles Oakley was BETTER than you think #nba #shorts #basketball
Was Charles Oakley misunderstood? It’s true that Oakley was one of the biggest bullies in NBA history. On the court and off the court, you never knew what could set him off, but he was a lot more than just some goon. And for a decade in New York, he was one of the best two-way forwards in the NBA. Acquired from the Bulls prior to the 8889 season, Oakley’s first year with the team saw them reach 50 wins for the first time in nearly a decade. He averaged a double double in each of his first three seasons in New York. When Pat Riley took over, Oakley’s usage dropped, but his physicality, rebounding, and defense were instrumental to the Knicks success and identity. New York reached the finals in ’94, and Oakley was an all-star and first team alldefense. In ’98, he got a second team alldefense selection, but he also got a one-way ticket to Toronto after the season. And while Oakley’s numbers in New York don’t jump off the page, where he was elite was in the intangibles, Charles Oakley made all the plays that no one else wanted to.
Charles Oakley is a New York Knicks legend, and while he is most well-known for his toughness and intimidation, he was a pretty good player as well. Oakley spent 10 years with the Knicks and averaged a double-double over that span. He was a one-time all-star and two-time all-defense member, even helping them to an NBA Finals appearance in 1994.
Beats by: https://www.instagram.com/paulripplinger/
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
3 comments
10-10-2-1 for a decade plus two all defensive selections in the 90s is anazing
Can you think how it would've been with Oakley on the first threepeat Bulls team? That would have been interesting. Probably would have worked but Horace Grant would not have got as much playing time.
Completely underrated. Few pf were better in his time.