They didn’t come any tougher than Charles Oakley back in the day.

I’m not even sure if there are players today who stack up in comparison.

From Chicago, to New York, to Toronto, and even his final seasons in the league with Washington and Houston, “Oak” was an enforcer and when he put a body on guys, they felt it – their kids may have felt it for all we know.

As the tale goes, when Oakley was traded from the Bulls to the Knicks for Bill Cartwright, Michael Jordan deeply disapproved and who can blame him. Oakley epitomized the belief that you love to play with the guy, but hate to play against him.

Just ask those New York Knick teams that Oakley was part of with Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Mark Jackson.

Even today at 46, I bet Oakley would give guys fits. It’s actually a bit alarming that Oakley hasn’t been an assistant coach in this league – but maybe those days are yet to come. Oakley’s put the word out that he wants to coach in the NBA - and had talks with the Knicks that didn't pan out - but while solid offers are slow to come his way, Charles recently said he’s planning on “running a big man’s camp during the offseason”.

And I hope “Oak” does.

I can think of a lot of guys around this league who would benefit from a class on Oakley 101.

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali 

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson 

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb

February 9: Craig Hodges

February 10: The Fab Five

February 11: Ice Man

February 12: Buster Douglas

February 13: Harold Miner

February 14: Reggie Lewis

February 15: Hoop Dreams

February 16: Travis Outlaw

February 17: Rasheed Wallace

February 18: Oil Can Boyd

February 19: Dennis Johnson

February 20: Tracy McGrady

February 21: Hank Gathers And Bo Kimble

February 22: Allen Iverson 

February 23: Bobby Phills

Photo: newsday

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