The Philadelphia 76ers are immortalizing the "Round Mound of Rebound."
The team announced Thursday they will unveil a sculpture commemorating team legend and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley during a ceremony on Sept. 13. The statue will be placed on "Legends Walk" outside the team's practice facility, which already houses sculptures honoring other franchise icons such as Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Maurice Cheeks, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer, and Bobby Jones.
Barkley was drafted fifth overall by the 76ers in 1984. He played the first eight seasons of his career in Philadelphia and recorded averages of 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds. He also played four seasons apiece with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets and was named MVP of the 1992-93 season with the former. The 11-time All-Star was renowned for his rebounding ability despite being undersized as a power forward at 6-foot-6.
After his retirement in 2000, Barkley had his No. 34 retired by both the 76ers and Suns. He was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
His statue with the 76ers won't be his first, however. His alma mater, Auburn, also erected a sculpture in his honor outside the Tigers' arena in 2017.
Barkley now serves as a studio analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA" program alongside host Ernie Johnson as well as former NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith.
