Charles Barkley slams Phoenix Suns players at NCAA Final Four: 'They are just really soft'
Charles Barkley isn't afraid to speak his mind, especially when it comes to the Phoenix Suns.
The former Suns star has been critical of his former organization many times in the past through his role as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports.
His latest brutal critique of the NBA franchise came at the NCAA Men's Final Four, where he was part of the coverage for the national semifinals and national championship game.
When asked by 12 Sports' Cam Cox if the Suns "are going to figure it out," Barkley replied: "No, they are not going to figure it out."
He went on: "They don't have any mental toughness. The leaders are not leading. So, you know, you are not going to turn it on this late in the season. I'm not sure what you are expecting, but their mental toughness, they are weak mentally and it's not going to go good for them.
"It's on them, brother, but from afar, they are just really soft and the leadership is not the players' leadership. The players have not led."
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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
Barkley's comments came on Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale after UConn's win over Purdue in the national final.
The Suns didn't do anything to dispel Barkley's criticism on Tuesday night. They lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a very important game for their playoff hopes at Footprint Center in Phoenix, 105-92.
Phoenix trailed the Clippers at the end of the first quarter in that game, 37-10. They were at one point behind, 35-4.
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Charles Barkley slams Phoenix Suns: 'They are just really soft'
