Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley Doubts Suns’ Late-Season Turnaround Amid Leadership Concerns

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 4/9/24

Following the Men’s Final Four Tournament in Glendale, Arizona, Charles Barkley once again shared his negative view of the Phoenix Suns’ current season.

During an interview with Cameron Cox of 12News, when questioned about the Suns’ potential to make a playoff run, Barkley swiftly replied, “No, they are not going to figure it out.”

He elaborated, “The leaders are not leading. So, you know, you are not going to turn it around this late in the season… They just really soft, and the leaders have not led.”

Gas on a fire: Caught up with Charles Barkley moments after the #FinalFour. Asked him about the #Suns…

"The leaders are not leading.. They're weak mentally.. They just really soft." @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/mQ6gaOCJ7u

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) April 9, 2024

While Barkley is a member of the Suns’ Ring of Honor and is undoubtedly one of the franchise’s all-time greats, he hasn’t shied away from voicing his concerns about the team’s performance this season.

Two months earlier, Barkley criticized Kevin Durant during the halftime show of the 2024 All-Star game, saying, “Kevin’s a follower. He’s not a leader. He’s proven that on all of his stops.”

Even the team noticed Barkley’s harsh critiques. Center Jusuf Nurkic highlighted Barkley’s failure to vote for Devin Booker as an All-Star, pointing out his negativity towards the Suns.

Suns legend opinion, but didn’t even vote for Book to be All-Star

Yeah, that makes sense.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 5, 2024

With only four games remaining in the season, the Suns are in the 6th spot in the Western Conference. Despite exceeding last year’s win total, the highly competitive West has left them battling for their playoff position as the final week approaches.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: