Barkley: Suns Will Improve, But West Rival Takes the Cake
The Phoenix Suns are on the rise, but Charles Barkley thinks they still have a long way to go before they can truly contend for a title.
The Suns, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, are a formidable force, and they made a big splash in the offseason by adding Bradley Beal to the mix. But even with this star-studded roster, Barkley, who knows a thing or two about winning in the NBA, isn't convinced they're ready to dethrone the Denver Nuggets as the top dogs in the West.
Barkley believes the Suns' success will depend on their ability to improve their defense. He's concerned about their lack of depth and the fact that they haven't been able to put together a consistent defensive effort. "They're a good team, but they gotta get better defensively," said Barkley. "They're gonna have to find a way to step up, especially in the playoffs."
But don't get it twisted: Barkley still thinks the Suns are going to be a tough out this season. He sees them as a legitimate contender, but they're going to need to find a way to improve their overall game, especially on the defensive end, if they want to reach their full potential.
While Barkley is bullish on the Suns, he's even more excited about the Denver Nuggets. They've been the best team in the West for a while now, and they only got better this summer. With Nikola Jokic leading the way, Barkley believes the Nuggets are the team to beat. "They're the real deal," he said. "They're gonna be tough to beat."
The Nuggets, with their blend of size, skill, and experience, are undoubtedly a scary team. They have a strong core of players who have been together for a while, and they have a coach in Mike Malone who knows how to get the most out of his players.
So, while the Suns are primed to be a force in the West, Barkley believes the Nuggets are the team to beat. The competition in the West is fierce, and it's going to be a battle for the top spot. But one thing's for sure: the Suns and Nuggets are going to be at the forefront of the fight.