NBABrothers Thoughts & Theories
Follow @NBABrothers on Twitter!
  • Mike's NBA Thoughts and Theories
  • Christian's Corner
  • Recent Posts
  • Narrator!
  • Menu
    • About Us
    • Rucker 50 >
      • Rucker 50
      • Photos
    • Contact Us
    • See Christian's Corner
    • Blog Archives
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy/Terms of Service

The Legend (or Myth?) of Charles Oakley

8/18/2012

29 Comments

 
Former New York Knick, Charles Oakley is making headlines again. This time he is making comments on Stat and Melo and their roles as leaders on the Knicks. He questions their ability to be able to blend their teamwork and bring out the best in each of the other players. Yet, Stat and Melo are getting off easy. Back in February, Oakley made some pretty harsh comments on Charles Barkley, KG, and Kendrick Perkins. It’s clear he isn’t a fan when it comes to those three.  

It seems that Oakley earned the right to speak his mind after his career performance in the NBA. My parents (Knicks fans) always talk of him as the NBA legend that represented the true spirit of New York – determined, strong, gritty, relentless, fearless and built like an oak tree. To hear my parents tell it, Oakley always gave “110% every game” and he was a “defensive monster” who intimidated the other team just by being on the court. He was known for his rebounding abilities and pure hustle on the floor.
I wanted to find out more about Oakley, so I checked out his career stats. Oakley came to the Knicks in 1988 in a trade that sent Bill Cartwright to the Bulls. He spent 10 years playing at MSG before being traded to the Toronto Raptors in 1998. In 1994, he was named to both the All-Defense team and the All-Star team. Some of his career highlights that stood out to me is that he averaged an impressive 9.6 rebounds per game, averaged 1.1 steals per game, which is very good for a power forward, and had a more than decent field goal percentage, averaging 47.1%.

So, I am wondering, is the legend of Charles Oakley as great as my parents tell it? Or does their love for the player cloud their judgment? Was he the ultimate defensive NYer? Would you want him on the Knicks today? Who has the attitude and skills of Oakley in today’s NBA? What player would you compare to him today?
29 Comments
DaddyMan
8/18/2012 01:26:00 pm

Without a doubt Oakley epitomized New York. I respect whatever comments he makes because he holds nothing back even taking swipes at Knicks management when he was traded for Camby. We do need someone of his ilk in NY and I thank my lucky stars that Toney Douglas and his kind are gone because he did not represent what NY was all about (especially his non-existent defense). As a fan I miss Oakley and wish that he would somehow be tied to the Knicks front office when making decisions or even be an assistant coach. This would help bring back that hard nosed defense that Coach Woodson is trying to instill in the Knicks. This post sure brings back some good memories.

Reply
Mike V. link
8/21/2012 03:43:23 am

Yeah I agree he did bring hard nosed defense to New York. Thanks for posting!

Reply
DaddyMan
8/27/2012 07:36:03 am

That whole Knick team played hard defense. Did you know that Coach Riley would fine players if they let a player score down the lane without giving them a hard foul? That's crazy and borders on illegal.

Wadler
8/19/2012 02:26:22 pm

Oakley was a great Knick and the defense of leader of the 1990's knick teams. The brand of basketball that Oakley played would not be allowed in today's NBA. Great defense was a staple in a NBA championship team in 1990's.
Oakley was a great knick, and a great defense of player who can hit the open jump shot. I miss watching that brand of basketball.

Reply
Mike V. link
8/21/2012 03:55:10 am

Yes, Oakley was an unstoppable force when it comes down to defense. Thanks for posting!

Reply
Joanna V.
8/21/2012 04:29:08 am

Oakley is one of my favorite players and he deserves legendary status. It's too bad more of the new players don't share his dedication, work ethic and love for the game. They would be that much better for it and so would their fans:)

Reply
JazzFan90
8/21/2012 12:11:15 pm

A lot of today's players wouldn't survive that brand of basketball. Karl Malone always worked out during the off season not just for basketball but to be a me take the beatings that Oakley, Anthony Mason and Terry Cummings type players would dish out. John Stockton was even tougher than the Steve Nash types and Lin types.

Reply
Mike V. link
8/21/2012 02:15:10 pm

I know the refs and Stern won't let basketball go back to the way it was, sadly. Thanks for posting!

Reply
Mike V. link
8/23/2012 11:45:52 am

I know I wish basketball would be the way it used to be in the 70s, 80s, 90s, even the early 2000s. They should stop this madness, fire David Stern, and get a new owner who is going to make the NBA stop being like the WWE. Where it is all fake! This needs to stop, I don't want to see the Heat travel and nothing is called, I don't want to see them drive, not be touched and they end up with and-1! It's so not fair!!!!!! And it would definitely be better for the fans. Who is truly the best team in the NBA with Fair calls? At Oakley's time the NBA played it fairly, and that is how they made the NBA Finals! Anyway, thanks for posting!

Reply
MCKL
8/23/2012 10:52:48 am

Hopefully Oakley's comments inspire Melo and Stat to think about team play so these great players contribute to making the Knicks all that they can be. Oakley's concerns seem legitimate and hopefully bringing up the issue will help. Mike V has made me interested in learning more about the Knicks during the Oakland days. I'll have to search the s
ubject. Thanks Mike V!

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:11:45 am

You are welcome and I totally agree that the Knicks need to start playing team ball and get the best shot available every single possesion. Oakley is absolutely correct!

Reply
Pat L
8/23/2012 11:11:53 am

Oakley was a perfect fit for New York. He was tough, durable, and was a great defender. He ranks 14th all time in the NBA for games played. If Ewing,Starks, or Jackson wasn't on that night they could always turn to Oakley. I wouldn't say he was an NBA legend but most definitely a Knick legend. He was one of the most reliable players ever in the NBA. You knew what you were getting from him day in day out which is a great quality for a player. Great post Mike!

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:17:18 am

Thanks and I agree that he was tough by learning about and watching all the games when he was in a Knick uniform and I realize that every single offensive or defensive possesion he was always involved in every play. And he's always working every time. So, thanks for giving me more information on one of my parents favorite players. Thanks for posting!

Reply
RIch M.
8/23/2012 11:51:33 am

Good read Mike! Oakley is definitely a legend. He made the game so much fun to watch. Wish he was in the game today, it's just not the same...

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:19:20 am

I know what you mean no one in the NBA has that toughness, grit, or sacrifice in them anymore. Thanks for posting!

FIRE STERN!! FIRE STERN!!

Reply
DaddyMan
8/23/2012 11:52:00 am

Stern has done a lot for the NBA but when you treat Lebron like he's Michael Jordan where you can't touch him and where he fakes a neck injury and gets away with it is just pitiful...

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:20:38 am

I know, I hate it! It's ruining basketball!!!!

Reply
MCKL
8/23/2012 12:02:20 pm

Oakley's comments are good advice to Melo and Stat. It points out a way that these great players can make the Knicks the best that they can be. Getting the team to gel together may be what the Knicks need for success instead of superstars playing alone. Mike V has made me interested in learning more about the Oakley era of the Knicks. Thanks Mike V.!

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:24:09 am

No problem! And the Knicks definitely to practice in a scrimmage and have something like having at least 5 passes before you shoot. And just keep doing the drill then tell them to carry it into the game and there you go problem solved. Thanks for posting!

Reply
Liam
8/23/2012 12:10:22 pm

If you're a real Knicks fan, you can't help but love Oakley. Personally, my favorite Knick is LJ but Oakley is up there too. I also love Patrick Ewing. There was a real sense of teamwork back then and I hope it comes back to the Garden. We have a good roster but just need better chemistry between the players. That seems to be Oakley's point and I think he is right. Good post. I enjoyed it.

Reply
DaddyMan
8/25/2012 09:36:18 am

Totally agree with your comments! Oakely will always be a Knick and you can tell that he still cares for the team to even make a comment on how to improve them instead of just criticizing the organization.

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:29:20 am

Good point Oakley will always be a New York Knick and his hustle will be told on for a long time. Thanks for posting!

Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:27:08 am

Yeah, thanks! We need to make Carmelo and Amar'e better playmakers by passing. And set up plays for Steve Novak to hit the 3. Problem Solved! Thanks for posting!

Reply
Pat L.
8/23/2012 12:19:24 pm

Oakley was a solid player for the Knicks. He was durable, hard working, and very consistent. He is ranked 14th in all time in the NBA for games played. He will always be remembered as a player like you said played the game at 110% all the time which is all you can ask out of a player. I wouldn't say he is an all time great but most definitely a Knick great. It is rare to find a player like Oakley today in the NBA today. He was an awesome player to watch. Great Post!

Reply
DaddyMan
8/25/2012 09:39:10 am

Oakley's number should be retired in the Knicks rafters. Not an all-time great as you stated but definitely an all-time Knick.

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:35:39 am

Yeah I see what you mean, I think Oakley should have his number retired for the Knicks. They absolutely should!!! Thanks for posting!

Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:33:57 am

Absolutely it is tough to find players like Oakley today because Stern ruins it.
FIRE STERN!! FIRE STERN!!
It's so sad, so we need to...
FIRE STERN!! FIRE STERN!!
Thanks for posting! And remember to...
FIRE STERN!!

Reply
angy
8/25/2012 10:08:51 am

Great points - he was a total Knick through and through and he was what New York Fans look for and expect in a player - we need more Oakley-style players on the court today!

Reply
Mike V. link
8/27/2012 06:37:28 am

Absolutely, and like I stated to 2 other people, we need to...
FIRE STERN!! FIRE STERN!!
And he was totally a New Yorker with toughness. Thanks for posting!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Mike V.

    My name is Mike V. I am an enormous basketball fan. I also am a die-hard Knicks fan. After graduating 5th grade, I started writing this blog at the age of 10 in the summer of 2012.

    Archives

    November 2021
    November 2018
    January 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    1992 Dream Team
    2k13
    3 Point Contest
    50th Anniversary
    76ers
    87ers
    Ahmed Hill
    All-Star 2014
    All-Star Game
    Andre Igoudala
    Anthony Davis
    Anthony Mason
    Anthony Mason Jr
    Anti-Freeze
    Baby Rucker
    Big Strick Classic
    Bill WIlloughby
    Blake Griffin
    Boston Celtics
    Brooklyn
    Calvin Ramsey
    Carlton Bragg
    Carmelo Anthony
    Carmelo Anthony
    Cavaliers
    ChaChing
    Charlotte Bobcats
    Chasing NJ
    Chicago Bulls
    Chris Bosho
    Chris Copeland
    Chris Mullin
    Chris Paul
    Christian Laettener
    Clyde Drexler
    Contract
    Dallas Mavericks
    Damian Lillard
    David Robinson
    DeMar DeRozan
    Derrick Jones
    Devon Booker
    Dion Wiley
    Dirk Nowitzki
    Draft
    Draft 2015
    Dwight Howard
    Dwyane Wade
    Earl
    Elite 24
    Ewing
    Fat Joe
    Gerald Wallace
    Gilbert Arenas
    Globetrotters
    Golden State Warriors
    Greg Marius
    Hannibal
    Happy
    Happy Feet
    Harlem
    Hawks
    Houston
    Iman Shumpert
    Iman Shumpert
    Inside Streetball
    Interview
    Isaiah Briscoe
    Ivan Rabb
    James Harden
    Jason Kidd
    Jason Richardson
    Jay Hargett
    Jazz
    Jeff Green
    Jeremy Lin
    Jesse Govan
    Jessica Nutt
    Joakim Noah
    Joe Johnson
    Joe Johnson
    Joel Berry
    Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond
    John Starks
    John Stockton
    John Thompson
    John Wall
    Jordan
    J.R. Inman
    JR Inman
    Jr Smith
    Jr Smith
    Justin Jackson
    Justise Winslow
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    Kelly Olynyk
    Kelly Oubre
    Kemba Walker
    Kevin Durant
    Kevin Garnett
    Kevin Love
    Knickerbockers
    Knicks
    Kobe
    Kobe Bryant
    Kurt Thomas
    Kyle Anderson
    Kyle Belanger
    Kyrie Irving
    LaMarcus Aldridge
    Lamar Stevenson
    Langston Galloway
    Larry Bird
    Lebron James
    Lebron James
    Los Angeles Clippers
    Los Angeles Lakers
    Magic Johnson
    Malik Newman
    March Madness
    Marcus Camby
    Mario Kegler
    Memphis Grizzlies
    Mercedes Corona
    Metta World Peace
    Miami Heat
    Miami Heat
    Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
    Mike D'Antoni
    Mike Woodson
    Mousey
    Movie
    NBA
    NBA Brothers
    NBA Finals
    NBA Offices
    NBA Playoffs
    Ncaa
    Nets
    New York
    New York
    New York Knicks
    OKC Thunder
    Omari Spellman
    Pablo Prigioni
    Pacers
    Patrick Ewing
    Paul George
    Paul Millsap
    Pee Wee Kirkland
    Pem360
    Peter Mulligan
    Pharrell Williams
    Phil Jackson
    Portland Trail Blazers
    Press Conference
    PrimeOne 16 Eatery
    Radio
    Rashad Vaughn
    Rasheed Wallace
    Rawle Alkins
    Raymond Felton
    Raymond Felton
    Restaurant
    Rockets
    Rocktown-academy
    Rocktown-camp
    Rocktown-monarchs
    Romelo Trimble
    Ron Artest
    Ronnie Brewer
    Roy-hibbert
    Rucker Park
    San Antonio Spurs
    Scottie Pippen
    Selection-sunday
    Seventh Woods
    Shabazz Muhammad
    Shane Larkin
    Shane-the-dribble-machine
    Shaun-lvingston
    Slam Dunk Contest
    Sneakers
    Spike Lee
    Stanley Johnson
    Stephen-curry
    Stephen Zimmerman
    Stephon Marbury
    Steve Nash
    Steve Novak
    Superstar
    Thanasis Antetokounmpo
    The-beast
    Theo Pinson
    Tim Duncan
    Tim Hardaway
    Tim Hardaway Jr.
    Titles
    Tony-parker
    Toronto-raptors
    Total-package
    Trey Burke
    Tri-state-classic
    Tristate-classic
    Tv
    Twitter
    Tyrell-biggs
    Tyson Chandler
    Under Armour
    Usa
    Victor Oladipo
    Wally Szczerbiak
    Walt Clyde Frazier
    Walt Szczerbiak
    Warrior
    Washington Wizards
    Wilt Chamberlain

    Christian's corner here
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.