Barkley Chooses Three Teams

Although Charles Barkley is expected to re-sign with Houston, on Wednesday he said the Rockets are among three teams he's considering.

"I'll decide between the Atlanta Hawks, Houston and the Seattle SuperSonics," the free agent forward said. "I'm just trying to decide who has the best chance to win a championship."

He added with a grin: "I'm going to consult with my financial adviser, Michael (Jordan), and make a decision by the end of the week. In the meantime, I'm just going to play some golf."

At the time Barkley was on the driving range at Bermuda Dunes Country Club, waiting to tee off in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. He, Jordan and former NFL receiver Roy Green were the amateurs playing in a foursome with the PGA's Payne Stewart.

The Rockets' acquisition of Scottie Pippen from Chicago should provide Barkley added incentive to return to Houston.

He, Pippen and Hakeem Olajuwon would give the Rockets an imposing front line, and Barkley ostensibly would be able to sign for the $1 million minimum and keep his Larry Bird-exception rights for another year.

"Picking up Scottie, who's one of the best players in the league, definitely will help the Rockets," Barkley said.

Asked about a Larry Bird-exception for him next season, Barkley replied, "I'm just trying to get this old body through this year."

He said he was flattered that a number of teams expressed interest in him.

"There were seven or eight, which made me feel good," he said. "Now I've got it down to three teams I think have a chance to win it all."

"I love Seattle and I love playing in Houston, but I just want to look at everything."

Asked if he thought the NBA lockout had been necessary, Barkley said, "Not really."