NBA next-season predictions have started rolling in as the dramatic offseason is thawing. Charles Barkley recently backed the Phoenix Suns, months after a spat with the team’s talisman, Kevin Durant. The NBA icon identified one Suns star who could help the team defeat both LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

As a former player of the franchise himself, Barkley was appreciative of the organization. He believed, amidst the glamour, one particular player would be the key to their success.

Who could stop LeBron James and Stephen Curry?

In a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the former MVP backed the Phoenix to win the Western Conference finals. “They are probably the cofavorite with the Nuggets,” he said to voice his support. The team has been consistent in the last few seasons but has lacked an edge.

Charles, that’s why, pointed out DeAndre Ayton as the focal point of the team, stating, “To me, he is the most important piece”. For all the attacking prowess of the Suns, they need great defenders to hold the fort. According to Barkley, “That’s all gonna come down to Ayton”. Thus, he backed the Bahamian superstar to help defeat LeBron’s Los Angeles Lakers and Curry’s Golden State Warriors on their way to glory.

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This came as a bit of a shocker to most of the NBA fans as months ago he reportedly pushed KD to lead the team with his bus driver analogy. “He’s going to have to win a championship as the bus driver,” Sir Charles said back then. So, his recent comments around Ayton further diminish the two-time champion’s value to the team.

How vital would DeAndre Ayton be?

With some of the best offensive players on their roster, this franchise needs a guy like him to do the dirty work. He does so brilliantly.

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With Barkley identifying Ayton as a key contributor, NBA fans are bound to be more critical of him. Is Ayton really the difference maker of the Suns? Let us know in the comments.