WATCH: Charles Barkley Gives Emotional Eulogy at Moses Malone’s Funeral

Malone was born in Petersburg, Virginia.

While Charles Barkley‘s “pizza eulogy” at Malone’s funeral is getting most of the media attention, Warner’s tribute to the “Chairman of the Boards” for the J-Vibe.com website is also worth a look.

FILE – In this April 20, 1984, file photo, New Jersey Nets’ Darryl Dawkins (53) towers over Philadelphia 76ers’ Moses Malone (2) as he gets off a shot during first quarter National Basketball Association playoff action in Philadelphia.

“I never understood why a guy that great – because at that time, he was obviously on the downside of his career; he’d accomplished everything – I never understood why he took a little kid from Alabama under his wing”, Barkley continued. “You have to compare him to Frank Sinatra, a guy who did it his own way and in the process, changed everything”. And that was Moses. He treated me like a son. In fact, Barkley said he made a mistake moving into the same apartment building as Malone.

“I said, ‘Mo, I’m really struggling”. ” ‘Big Mo don’t do ‘deferred.’ You had a deal with my agent”. “Because of him, working with me before and after practice, we developed this kinshi”, Barkley added, saying Saturday was bittersweet. Ever. People confuse that voice like he don’t know. That just hurts me. “Anybody who connected him, you’re a much better person”. Barkley spoke about how he called Malone “Dad” and considered him a father figure, explaining how the three-time National Basketball Association MVP came to mentor Barkley when he was a 76ers rookie vying for playing time.

“I called Moses ‘Dad, ‘” Barkley said.

Charles Barkley delivered a heartfelt eulogy at Moses Malone’s funeral. “This means that Moses told ’em (Malone’s family), he was proud of me”.

“This day is bitter and it’s sweet”, Barkley said. “I was blessed to have a connection with Moses and my condolences to the family, and the world is a sadder place because he’s not here”.