Barkley plans to play again before retiring

(Houston-AP) -- Charles Barkley plans to be back on the court next week for the Rockets' season finale against Vancouver. <br><br>Barkley -- who ruptured a tendon in his left leg in December --had

Friday, April 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Houston-AP) -- Charles Barkley plans to be back on the court next week for the Rockets' season finale against Vancouver.

Barkley -- who ruptured a tendon in his left leg in December --had already announced he would retire at the end of this season when he was hurt in a December 8th game against Philadelphia.

He says his return depends on approval from team doctors. And he may only play for a couple of minutes. But Barkley says he wants to leave the court on his own terms.

Barkley played for the 76ers, Suns and Rockets during a 16-yearcareer. He won a rebounding title in 1987, led two U.S. Olympic teams to gold medals, was the
N-B-A's Most Valuable Player in 1993 and was selected one of the league's 50 greatest players.