The Philadelphia 76ers have honored basketball legend Charles Barkley with his own statue. The sculpture sits outside the team’s training facility in Camden, New Jersey.
Barkley took part in the unveiling on Sept. 13, where he thanked the team and fans for their support throughout the years.
Hesaid, “Me and Maureen really appreciate this honor. Man, Philadelphia.What an amazing city. What an amazing city! It’s been a great journey for me.When you grow up in Leeds, Alabama, in the projects, and all these 56 yearslater you’re standing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and you’ve had this amazingjourney, all you can really say is thank you. We are so blessed to dribble astupid basketball for a living. We are so lucky and blessed. Always sign autographs,always take pictures, just try to be cordial because the fans, they’re the bestthing about this whole dynamic.”
Barkleyplayed eight seasons with the 76ers and was named one of the 50 greatestplayers in NBA history in 1996. Ten years later he was inducted into the Hall ofFame.
His number has been retired from the team roster and his statue will now join those of 76ers legends Billy Cunningham, Wilt Chamberlain, Maurice Cheeks, Julius Erving, Hal Greer and Bobby Jones.
Latest sports headlines: