Charles Oakley

	Position: Power Forward
	Number: 34
	Age: 35
	Height: 6'9"
	Weight: 245
	Years as Pro: 13

Charles Oakley came to the Raptors in the off-season in a trade for Marcus Camby and Kiwi center Sean Marks. He was added along with Kevin Willis to help the Raptors rebound and play a stronger inside game.

Oakley has played 13 years in the NBA, being drafted 9th overall in the 1985 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a distinguished college career at the small Virginia Union university, being named the NCAA Division II player of the year in his senior year, when he averaged 24 points and 17 rebounds a game.

Charles was traded to Chicago before the start of his rookie season and quickly developed, making the NBA Rookie All-Star team. He became the second offensive option to a shooting guard named Jordan, as well as one of the league's dominant rebounders, finishing second in the league in rebounding in 1986-87 and 1987-88. In June 1988 he was traded to the New York Knicks for center Bill Cartwright.

Oakley's stats were never quite the same in New York, as the offence revolved around another inside player, Patrick Ewing. Still, he helped form one of the toughest front courts in the league, along with Ewing and Anthony Mason. Before the 1992-93 season, Oakley was named co-captain of the team along with Ewing. This Knick team reached its peak in 1993-94, losing in the NBA finals to the Houston Rockets. Oakley also made the all-star team this year for the only time.

Oakley was originally unhappy about being traded to Toronto, and intially asked to be dealt to a contender such as the L.A. Lakers. However, he appears to have accepted his place in Toronto, and has already had a positive impact on the team. If he can average about 10 points and 10 rebounds, coach Butch Carter will be happy. However, Oakley will probably play more minutes this year than in the recent past, as the Raptors lack a good backup power forward. Hopefully his aging body is up to the task.

Charles also owns a chain of eight car washes and maintains a web site which is devoted mostly to his car care products, but also includes some basketball photos.

Back to players