It remained remarkably astonishing that despite his prominent leadership role for the Philadelphia 76ers for most of his eight-season stint with them, Charles Barkley never fostered a positive relationship with the team’s fan base. The discord was never entirely shocking, as The Round Mound of Rebound blatantly criticized the front office, players, and even the home crowd without a second thought.
Consequently, upon his first return to Philly after joining the Phoenix Suns in 1992, Barkley anticipated a hostile reception. However, he found himself utterly in shock when confronted with an entirely contrasting response.
Barkley couldn’t digest the 76ers fans giving him a standing ovation
The 11-time All-Star departed from the Sixers with considerable antipathy, asserting that the franchise always lacked relevant star power to help him attain a championship for them. Upon joining the Suns in 1992 and returning to Philly on March 23, 1993, the 6’6” forward prepared himself to perform in a contentious environment and how he’ll use all the negative energy to shut the critics.
However, contrary to his expectations, he was greeted by a standing ovation from the fans, along with banners suggesting that the city of brotherly love would never forget Sir Charles. As nice as this gesture was, Barkley, who had something entirely different in his mind, couldn’t process the scene unraveling before his eyes.
"It actually would be better if they're negative because I'd be more ready to show them, because if they're all supportive, that will shake me up, " Barkley said . "So, if I had a choice, if they're nice to me, that’s great, but that might hurt me more than them being negative."
Related: "You could just feel it, the lack of respect" - Alonzo Mourning on the tense environment in the gold medal game against France in the 2000 Olympics
Barkley proved his mettle to the Sixers
Despite being caught off guard with a positive reception, the 1993 MVP managed to deliver an exemplary performance. Notwithstanding the fact that six of the 76ers players scored in double digits, Barkley emerged as the game’s leading scorer, dropping 35 points on 59.1% shooting from the field and 60% from three-point range.
More impressively, despite being outscored by 28 points in two quarters, Sir Charles propelled the Suns to a hard-fought 10-point victory, highlighting to his former fans just what he required to maximize a team’s winning prowess.
Additionally, there was a time when Barkley simply wanted to honor his friend Magic Johnson, who had contracted HIV, by wearing his jersey as a sign of respect to the three-time MVP. But to his surprise that wholehearted gesture was not supported by the same fans , who rather criticized him. So, safe to say that even in the times when he wanted to do something kind, his frustration was only irked by fans in Philly who misperceived them.
Believing that he could never expect a sweet gesture in return, Chuck was indeed caught off guard when he received a standing ovation from those who never truly accepted his approach.
Related: "That guy sent me a message tonight, and I didn't like the message" - When Michael Jordan dominated Charles Barkley and the Suns in their first clash of the season
Most Popular
Comments / 0