Charles Barkley has never been shy about speaking his mind, especially when it comes to the Phoenix Suns - a franchise he helped carry to the NBA Finals back in 1993. And if you ask him how he feels about this year’s squad, he’ll tell you straight up: he’s proud of what they’ve done so far. But that doesn’t mean he’s handing out gold stars to everyone just yet.
In a recent interview with Bickley and Marotta on Arizona Sports 98.7, Barkley offered a candid take on the Suns’ early-season performance - praising the team’s depth, spotlighting some unexpected contributors, and calling on Devin Booker to elevate his game.
“My Suns”: Barkley’s Encouragement for the Bench
“I’m very proud of what my Suns are doing so far this year,” Barkley said, making it clear he’s still emotionally invested in the Valley’s team.
And it’s easy to see why. This Suns squad, stripped of Kevin Durant after an offseason trade and without much help from Jalen Green due to injury, has managed to stay competitive.
The reason? Depth - and a second unit that’s been punching above its weight.
Barkley singled out Collin Gillespie, the young point guard who’s emerged as a sparkplug off the bench. “That second unit, I’m so proud of those guys led by Mr.
Gillespie,” he said. “They do what a second group is supposed to do: Just come in and bring energy.”
That energy has been crucial. With Green sidelined for all but five quarters this season due to a lingering hamstring issue, and Grayson Allen missing time with a quad contusion, the Suns have leaned heavily on their bench. Players like Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro have stepped into the spotlight, helping keep the team afloat in a Western Conference that doesn’t wait around for anyone.
Barkley’s Challenge to Booker: Be the Star
But while Barkley was quick to applaud the bench, he didn’t hold back when it came to the Suns’ franchise cornerstone.
“I need my starters to pick it up a little bit, especially Devin Booker,” Barkley said. “When you’re a star - and it’s a double standard, it is what it is, you can’t get mad, you have to accept the responsibility - he has to come out and ball every night.”
That message came with a pointed reminder of Booker’s recent struggles, particularly a rough outing in the NBA Cup game against the Timberwolves - a game Barkley attended. Booker finished that one shooting just 4-of-18 from the field, including 1-of-6 from deep, while committing nine turnovers and fouling out. It was a forgettable night for the two-time All-NBA guard, and if not for a late-game hero turn from Gillespie, it could’ve been a costly one for the Suns.
Unfortunately, that game wasn’t an outlier - it was the start of a slump. Heading into Monday’s matchup with the Lakers, Booker has shot under 40% from the field in five of his last six games. His three-point shot, never his strongest suit, has gone ice cold: just 9-of-38 (23.7%) over that stretch.
Barkley’s concern isn’t just about the numbers - it’s about the mentality.
“I need more aggressiveness and leadership out of Devin Booker,” he said, adding that Booker looked “lackadaisical” against Minnesota. Barkley even joked that he’d like to put “Dillon Brooks’ brain in Devin Booker’s body,” saying that combination would be “scary.”
The Suns Go as Booker Goes
There’s no question the Suns have found something in their second unit. Gillespie’s poise, Goodwin’s defensive tenacity, and the hustle from guys like Dunn and Ighodaro have kept this team competitive through adversity.
But in the NBA, depth can only take you so far. Superstars still decide outcomes - especially in crunch time, especially in the postseason.
And that’s where Booker comes in.
He started the season on fire, looking every bit the offensive engine the Suns need him to be. But as defenses have adjusted and injuries have thinned the rotation, the burden on Book has grown heavier - and the cracks have started to show.
Barkley’s challenge isn’t about piling on. It’s about calling on a star to lead like a star.
The Suns don’t need Booker to be perfect, but they do need him to be present - mentally locked in, physically aggressive, and emotionally engaged. That’s the version of Book that can carry Phoenix into the playoffs and make noise once they get there.
Because for all the heart and hustle coming off the bench, this is still Devin Booker’s team. And if he can shake off the slump and rediscover that edge, the Suns might just be a lot more dangerous than people think.