Charles Oakley is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 19 seasons. He was born on December 18, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Virginia. Oakley played college basketball at Virginia Union University, where he was a standout player.

Oakley was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Chicago Bulls before the start of the season. He played for the Bulls for three seasons, where he was known for his tough, physical style of play and his rebounding ability. Oakley was traded to the New York Knicks in 1988, where he played for ten seasons and became a fan favorite.

During his time with the Knicks, Oakley was known as one of the best rebounders in the league and was a key player on the team's successful run in the 1990s. He was also known for his tough defense and his ability to intimidate opponents. Oakley was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1994 and was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 1994 and 1998.

In 1998, Oakley was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Chicago Bulls. He played for the Bulls for one season before being traded to the Washington Wizards, where he played for one season before retiring in 2004.

Throughout his career, Oakley was known for his toughness and his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win. He was a fierce competitor and a great teammate, and he was respected by his peers for his work ethic and his dedication to the game.

After retiring from basketball, Oakley has remained involved in the sport as a coach and a commentator. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations and has worked to help underprivileged children and families.

Overall, Charles Oakley had a successful career in the NBA, and he is remembered as one of the toughest and most physical players of his era. He was a key player on some of the most successful teams of the 1990s, and he will always be remembered as a fan favorite in New York.

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