Charles Oakley

The Oak Tree: Knicks enforcer and rebounding legend

Charles Oakley (born December 18, 1963) is an American former professional basketball player. Oakley is best known for playing ten of his nineteen seasons in the National Basketball Association with the New York Knicks. As a power forward, he consistently ranked as one of the best rebounders and defensive players in the NBA. He also played for the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets. From 2017-2025, he was the coach of the Killer 3's of the BIG3.

Quick Facts

Born: 18 December 1963
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
High school: John Hay (Cleveland, Ohio)
College: Virginia Union (1981–1985)
Draft round: 1
Drafted by: Cleveland Cavaliers
Career position: Power forward
Career number: 34, 33

Lore & Background

Oakley was drafted 9th overall in the 1985 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his draft rights were traded to the Chicago Bulls. He played for the Bulls from 1985 to 1988, then was traded to the New York Knicks for Bill Cartwright in 1988. He played for the Knicks from 1988 to 1998. In the penultimate game of the 1987-88 season, Oakley collected 35 rebounds in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which remains the most in a single game since 1979. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 1998, then returned to the Bulls in 2001, played for the Washington Wizards in 2002-03, and finished his NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2004.

Reader's Guide

Oakley was known as a defensive specialist and outstanding rebounder. He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1986. He became an NBA All-Star in 1994 and was chosen to the league's All-Defense 1st team that same year. He ranks 22nd all-time in career rebounds with 12,205 rebounds. After his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats from 2010 to 2011. He owns several businesses including car washes, salons, and restaurants.

Did You Know?

Oakley led Virginia Union University to the 1985 NCAA Division II championship, averaging 24 points and 17.3 rebounds per game as a senior.
He set a career high in points with 35 on March 15, 1986, in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 1994, Oakley started every regular season and playoff game for a record 107 starts in a single season.
Oakley was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2005.
A portion of Deering Street in Cleveland was renamed Charles Oakley Way in September 2016.