"It's more almost like a daycare, you got to babysit these guys” – Charles Oakley shares perspective on modern NBA
Charles Oakley was known as one of the NBA's toughest and most competitive players, spending 19 years on the court and another on the sidelines. The longtime enforcer isn't pleased with today's league.
Sitting down with NBA legend Kevin Garnett on Showtime's "KG Cerified" to talk about the modern league, Oakley said:
"It's more almost like a daycare. You got to babysit these guys to get them to do something they getting paid to do. ... I ain't never seen so many guys that never want to get better."
Oakley played 19 years in the NBA, mostly with the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, and was known for his toughness as an elite rebounder. He had the accolades to back it up, as he was a two-time NBA All-Defensive team selection. During the 1993-94 season, Oakley was an All-Star team, averaging 11.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
After his playing days were over, Oakley spent a year coaching as an assistant with the Charlotte Bobcats. It would be a brief career in coaching, as he stepped away from the team after experiencing health issues. Despite his brief tenure as an NBA assistant, Oakley has always remained close to the game.
Charles Oakley on coaching players today:
"It's more almost like a daycare. You got to babysit these guys to get them to do something they getting paid to do...I ain't never seen so many guys that never want to get better." https://t.co/4cTe4mFbfT… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Looking back at NBA career of Charles Oakley
Charles Oakley had an impressive 19-year NBA career, cementing himself as a tough-minded bruiser who could give his team an advantage on the boards.
One of his best seasons came in his second year as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Oakley averaged 14.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 44.5%.
Charles Oakley on the Knicks:
“Brunson is doing great things with them, Julius has picked his game up. They’ve got some pieces.”
“When you’re playing in NY, you’re going to have a target on your back and you have to perform. Ain’t no ifs ands or buts, you’ve got to perform.” https://t.co/lGMtGI3uGV
In his first six seasons in the NBA, Oakley averaged 11.5 rpg. He was a relentless rebounder who also understood how to make an impact on defense. Oakley was feared by many, as he wouldn't back down from a challenge.
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Chicago Bulls, Oakley played the following 10 seasons as a member of the New York Knicks, a franchise that remains close to his heart to this day.