| 25 February 2010
They didn’t come any tougher than Charles Oakley back in the day.
I’m not even sure if there are players today who stack up in comparison.
From Chicago, to New York, to Toronto, and even his final seasons in the league with Washington and Houston, “Oak” was an enforcer and when he put a body on guys, they felt it – their kids may have felt it for all we know.
As the tale goes, when Oakley was traded from the Bulls to the Knicks for Bill Cartwright, Michael Jordan deeply disapproved and who can blame him. Oakley epitomized the belief that you love to play with the guy, but hate to play against him.
Just ask those New York Knick teams that Oakley was part of with Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Mark Jackson.
Even today at 46, I bet Oakley would give guys fits. It’s actually a bit alarming that Oakley hasn’t been an assistant coach in this league – but maybe those days are yet to come. Oakley’s put the word out that he wants to coach in the NBA - and had talks with the Knicks that didn't pan out - but while solid offers are slow to come his way, Charles recently said he’s planning on “running a big man’s camp during the offseason”.
And I hope “Oak” does.
I can think of a lot of guys around this league who would benefit from a class on Oakley 101.
The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:
February 1: Muhammed Ali
February 2: Gary Payton
February 3: Bo Jackson
February 4: Dr. J
February 5: The Junkyard Dog
February 6: John Starks
February 7: Barry Sanders
February 8: Spud Webb
February 9: Craig Hodges
February 10: The Fab Five
February 11: Ice Man
February 12: Buster Douglas
February 13: Harold Miner
February 14: Reggie Lewis
February 15: Hoop Dreams
February 16: Travis Outlaw
February 17: Rasheed Wallace
February 18: Oil Can Boyd
February 19: Dennis Johnson
February 20: Tracy McGrady
February 21: Hank Gathers And Bo Kimble
February 22: Allen Iverson
February 23: Bobby Phills
Photo: newsday
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