Charles Barkley announced that he will retire from television after next season. This is sad news for NBA fans who have watched Barkley for 24 seasons now. The NBA appears to be moving networks, leaving TNT. With such loyalty to their network, Barkley joins others who have already said they won’t leave TNT.
Barkley quickly became one of the most enjoyed broadcasters in the world, alongside his “Inside the NBA” desk mates. Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal sit alongside Barkley and have fantastic chemistry and a friendly rivalry. For many fans, these four are the highlight of a game.
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Barkley’s Career
Barkley enjoyed quite a career as an NBA player before becoming a television personality. Over sixteen years, Barkley played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. He became an 11-time all-star, the 1992-93 MVP, and, of course, a member of the Hall of Fame. Considered one of the best power forwards of all time, basketball fans watching him in the eighties and nineties remember his storied playing career.
After switching to television, Barkley ensured that a whole new generation would remember him. Clips of what he said during shows have been everywhere. For a newer generation of basketball fans, Barkley will be remembered as a beloved personality who made each broadcast a spectacle.
What’s Next for Barkley?
Now that Barkley is going to retire from television, it begs the question—what now? Perhaps Barkley can find another way to maintain a media presence without being on television. Many current and former NBA players have turned to podcasting. Could this be Barkley’s next step? Indeed, fans might hope so. Fans will undoubtedly want Barkley to have some platform to still be in people’s lives.
After a phenomenal playing career and an unforgettable television career, Charles Barkley will retire from television after next season. This news is unfortunate for fans, as Barkley, a fan favorite, will be remembered as an all-time beloved television personality.
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