This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Securing memorable nicknames like "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound," Charles Barkley established himself as one of the NBA’s most dominant power forwards during the course of his 16-year pro career. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, he was selected to the All-NBA First Team five times, the All-NBA Second Team five times, earned 11 NBA All-Star appearances, and won two gold medals as a member of USA Basketball's first two Olympic "Dream Team" squads. He retired in 2000 as the fourth player in NBA history to accumulate 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists, and was a first ballot Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2006. This lot features a game-worn and dual-autographed pair of Barkley's Nike Air Max signature model sneakers from the 1995-96 season, his last with the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 23.2 points and 11.6 rebounds that season.
The size 16 Nike Air Max 'CB34' model features its name stamped across the top of the tongue with Phoenix’s black and purple color scheme. The heel tabs have the Swoosh logo and are labeled "NIKE AIR" below. White swoosh logos appear three times on either shoe. The interior tagging is properly labeled "950103 PC8" to denote the manufacturing date and player-issued status. They come with their original black laces. Sir Charles has autographed both shoes in 7-8/10 silver marker on the outer edge. They show solid game use and are remarkably well-preserved with absolutely no cracking or crumbling of the mid-sole cushioning, which so often happens over time with Nikes from that era. Barkley began wearing this style in the latter part of the 1994-95 seasons (see Getty 88768777 for 1995 Playoffs style-match). These Barkley gamers come directly from the personal collection of Coby Karl, son of longtime NBA coach George Karl, who played in the NBA from 2007-10. He received all items from his collection either straight from the player or through his father.
LOA from Coby Karl. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto).