PHOENIX – Charles Barkley’s criticism of Kevin Durant wasn’t simply an opinion of the former Phoenix Suns superstar; it was a message to Devin Booker as well. Barkley argued to Arizona Sports that when Durant joined Booker in Phoenix, Booker essentially stepped aside and allowed Durant to become the team’s leader. The problem, according to Barkley, was that Durant was never comfortable filling that role. That created something championship teams rarely survive, as the Suns fell without a leader.
Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) look on against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Charles Barkley speaks on Suns’ past and present leadership:
Can Devin Booker take another step as a leader for the Suns?
Suns legend Charles Barkley joined @Bickley_Marotta to preview the upcoming season: https://t.co/5FK0RCrL4p
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) October 20, 2026
Phoenix certainly wasn’t short on talent during the Durant era. Durant and Booker were two of the NBA’s premier scorers, yet the partnership never produced a trip beyond the second round of the playoffs. Talent wasn’t enough. Barkley’s perspective carries additional weight in Phoenix. The Hall of Famer led the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals and understands the expectations that come with being the face of basketball in the Valley. That’s why his comments matter beyond Durant.
Mar 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forwardDurant (35) celebrates with guard Booker (1) after scoring against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Booker is now entering a different stage of his Suns legacy. Being the franchise’s best player isn’t necessarily the same as being its leader. Leadership means establishing accountability, setting the team’s emotional temperature, and becoming the voice teammates follow when a season turns difficult. For years, Phoenix searched for another superstar capable of helping Booker win a championship. Durant appeared to be that answer.
Jan 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Durant (35) with guard Bradley Beal (3) and Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But perhaps the Suns overlooked something more important. They didn’t need Booker to hand over his team; they needed him to take complete ownership of it. Durant’s departure gives Booker that opportunity, and Barkley’s criticism makes the challenge clear: The next era of Suns basketball needs to unquestionably belong to Devin Booker.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
