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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
via Getty
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns signed some of the best players in the off-season but still have some missing pieces, which Charles Barkley revealed in an interview with ‘Arizona Sports’. The Philadelphia 76ers icon likes the new additions in Phoenix, but he pointed out that due to the continuous injuries led to inconsistency. Well, it looks like the Suns front office heard Barkley’s words.
The Suns have signed former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas on a 10-day contract ahead of the playoffs. Mighty IT was recently added to the Salt Lake City in the NBA G-League, where he dropped four 30-point games in a row with a 3-point percentage of 45%. The deadly Suns trio has now added another talented role player. Notably, this is not the first time Thomas will be representing the franchise.
IT is back: 11-year vet and two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is planning to sign a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thomas averaged 33 points on 45 percent 3-point shooting for Salt Lake City in the NBA G League, scoring 30 in four games. pic.twitter.com/4XrKEINKut
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 16, 2024
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Thomas played 46 games for the Suns in 2014-15, where he averaged 15.2 points and 3.7 assists before he was traded to the Celtics. He is heading to ‘The Valley’ once again after a decade and let’s hope he is used to his full potential there. Also, Barkley’s desires do not end with this one signing.
In an interview with Arizona Sports last month, Barkley had shared, “The Suns, because of injuries, they have been a little inconsistent…I would love them to bring Bradley Beal off the bench because you know, I think it’s tough for all three guys[Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Beal] to do what they do best when they on the court together. I would love them to bring a service of point guard and play at a much faster pace.” They seemed to have listened to him but the Chuckster wasn’t done.
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Charles Barkley had one more request for the Suns ahead of the playoffs
Jusuf Nurkić is a major threat on the board. The Bosnian is averaging 11.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season. In his last two games against the Celtics and the Hornets, Nurkic secured 20 rebounds and 21 rebounds, respectively. This is a great sign for the team, but the Suns are in desperate need of a backup center. Bol Bol has been their alternate option this season, but Barkley wants someone better, probably a veteran.
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The 76ers icon shared, “I do think they need one more big guy, in my opinion, before they compete.” Charles thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves are not a threat to the Suns, but the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers are. The Suns, who are currently the 7th seed, might face any of the above teams soon in the playoffs, and they have to be ready. Barkley’s suggestion was to add a point guard and a big man. Well, Isaiah Thomas is here, but will they add another big man?
Read more: “I Don’t Really Know”: Bradley Beal Gives Honest Opinion On Suns’ Playoffs Future
