When NBA players sign their first contract, they are introduced to a different kind of lifestyle. The salaries which they get after signing are massive and this can impact things. But another thing that changes is that they become professional basketball players. Moreover, they need to act and look accordingly. NBA Legend Charles Barkley tells a story where a 76ers legend made him step up his game.

Charles Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 draft as the 5th overall pick. The Sixers were coming off a championship, and they had a veteran team of Moses Malone and Julius Erving. Malone took Chuck under his wing and helped him with his conditioning and physicality. On the other hand, Erving helped him with his appearance and behavior.

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Charles Barkley says Julius Erving made him spend $32000 on clothes

Chuck says the bosses at the Sixers wanted him to work out in the Summer League to prove his worth. He adds that he crushed it in the Summer League and the Sixers were convinced. They traded away two players and signed Chuck to a 4 year two million dollar contract.

When asked what he bought with his money, Chuck says he bought two cars for his family members and a red Porsche for himself. But he adds the craziest thing he bought was because of Dr.J.

He says, ” After about three weeks, Dr. J who was great to me…he says ‘hey, what you doing today, I said nothing, He says come with me. So he take me to this clothing store”

“He said son, you’re in professional basketball now, that means dress like a professional. You’re not in college, you can’t wear warm-up suits all the time. So he took me shopping, bought about 5 to 7 suits, another 5 to 10 sports coats and things. When I get the bill, it’s $32000. I’m like holy, what the hell”

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Dr. J made Chuck understand the importance of being a professional basketball. He made him dress like a pro and act like an athlete. Regardless, Chuck had his fair share of incidents, but he learned during his career.