Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from a bold statement, made headlines after Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, when he promised to get his first-ever tattoo. The Hall of Famer and longtime NBA analyst declared on NBA TV’s pregame show that if the Oklahoma City Thunder win the championship, he’ll head to OKC to get inked with the names of his grandchildren, Charlie and Henry.
The moment came after Barkley was told about a local Oklahoma City tattoo artist, Taylor Freeman, who pledged to give away 500 free Thunder-themed tattoos if the team wins the title. When asked if he’d join in, Barkley responded with his signature candor:
“I’ll tell you what, I will do that. I’ve never had a tattoo before, but I’m honestly gonna do it this summer. I’m gonna get my grandson and granddaughter’s name… I never thought anything was important enough.”
He then added, in classic Chuck fashion:
“Some of these fools be getting women’s names put on them and they break up with them like damn idiots.”
Charles Barkley vows to get tattoo in Oklahoma City if Thunder win 2025 NBA Finals: “I have never had a tattoo… I am honestly gonna do it this summer. I am gonna get my grandson & granddaughter’s name… These fools be getting women names put on ’em & they break up with ’em… pic.twitter.com/CKhEokoM6e
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) June 14, 2025
While Barkley was game to get inked in Oklahoma City, he drew the line at a Thunder-themed tattoo. When reminded that the promotion was for team-related designs, he quickly clarified:
“No, I’m not getting no damn Thunder tattoo. I’m gonna go to Oklahoma City and get Charlie and Henry put on my forearms.”
Barkley’s relationship with the Thunder has been complicated over the years—he’s often been critical of the team’s roster moves and playoff performances. But this gesture, even if not directly Thunder-branded, feels like a nod of respect to the franchise’s rise and the city’s passionate fanbase.
With the Finals now tied 2-2 and heading back to Oklahoma City, Barkley’s tattoo promise is suddenly looking a lot more real. And if the Thunder do pull it off, don’t be surprised to see Chuck rolling up his sleeve in a local OKC tattoo parlor this summer.
