The Phoenix Suns have had some very good players in their history. Of course, right now, there is debate going on regarding who is the best Suns player of all time. We know Devin Booker and Steve Nash are in that conversation.
But some of the other greats that have played for this franchise need some love, too. Consider some of the guys who introduced you to the game if you are a Suns fan or even made you fall in love with it.
There’s Amar’e Stoudemire, who is one of the most underrated explosive dunkers we have seen. He and Steve Nash made pick-and-roll basketball fun. There’s Kevin Johnson, who was before my time, but his highlight of elite defense stands out.
Then there is Charles Barkley, who is still around, making everyone laugh on TV. He was, and is still, one of the greatest rebounders to ever play the game, even being undersized at his position. And he was athletic.
Bleacher Report came out with an article comparing Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans star, to Charles Barkley, and here is what they said:
"“Both power forwards stand a bit undersized at 6’6″ yet pack a ton of muscle into their frames. Calling Williamson a more athletic Barkley isn’t a shot at Chuck, but rather a huge compliment to Zion given that the Hall-of-Fame forward had a ton of bounce in his prime as well.”"
Now, when you think about it, the comparison is pretty close. Both are athletic, even though Barkley doesn’t get as much credit for that as he should; both rebound well and are extremely good around the basket.
And both will likely never have an NBA championship ring.
But that’s neither here nor there. The comparison is fair, especially when you also factor in both being undersized when it comes to height. Now, Barkley didn’t have nearly the same hype coming out of college, but he was a guy that people definitely tuned into to watch.
I can easily see the comparison.