HOUSTON — Charles Barkley wants one more game in the NBA.
Barkley, who ruptured a tendon in his left leg in December, said Thursday he plans to play in the Houston Rockets' season finale, at home against Vancouver on April 19.
Barkley had already announced he would retire at the end of this season when he was hurt in a Dec. 8 game against Philadelphia, effectively ending his career immediately.
"I plan on coming back to play in Wednesday's game pending approval from our team doctors," Barkley, 37, said. "I'm looking forward to playing a couple of minutes and leaving the court under my own terms."
Barkley played for the 76ers, Suns and Rockets during a 16-year career. He won a rebounding title in 1987, led two U.S. Olympic teams to gold medals, was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1993 and was selected one of the league's 50 greatest players.
"He's done a lot for this organization, and if he wants to walk off the court instead of being carried off, then I'm all for that," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said.
"It also gives the people a chance to pay one last tribute to him."