Did The Athletic get the Phoenix Suns’ ‘forever’ starting five correct?

Power Forward

Their selection for power forward was Charles Barkley, and for his competitiveness alone,  this spot has to be his.

Even with Steve Nash as a two-time MVP, Sir Charles is still the franchise’s greatest player of all-time, and although Jerry Colangelo acquired him both closer to the end of his career than the beginning and with an ailing back that caused him to contemplate retirement after each season in Phoenix, what he was able to provide to the team with his skill and ability at his position has yet to be matched.

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At only 6’4″, Barkley used his larger body to his advantage in every way possible, but while bigger, he was another extremely athletic player, and a fantastic passer as well.

Consider his 1992-93, MVP season stat line of 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

Then add in that while he played in an era in which 3-point shots were not used as often as they are now when he particularly as a power forward would not be expected to take many of them, yet he still drained 30.5% from beyond the arc while averaging 56.1% from within.

His assists average too would remain high for a forward as his rebounding and outstanding passing to streakers Nash, Westphal, and Marion, would result in countless fastbreak layups and pull-up 3’s.

In the half court, his physical assets would of course be used to clear his way in the post, while his passing skills would be utilized as he always looked for the open sniper around the arc.

There is no doubt that Barkley deserves to be in this position.