With a new owner, a roster that includes Kevin Durant, and a coaching staff, the Phoenix Suns have a genuine chance to be special. However, that does not mean that the franchise has given up on its roots. In a special ceremony before their home opener for the season, the organization was ready to honor some of its legends. But, it was the comments by Charles Barkley, in particular, that caught everyone’s eye.

While not the only all-time great at center court, his comments left perhaps the largest impact. After all, just a few months prior, he did accuse the team of not giving him the proper respect.

Charles Barkley is a Suns-lifer

Due to some less-than-ideal circumstances with the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley chose to take his talents elsewhere. Eventually, The Valley became home to the Round Mound of Rebound. Due to the vitriol from the fanbase, life was particularly hard for Barkley in the City of Brotherly Love. As a result, the warmth and embrace of Arizona stuck with him.

Further, it led to a bond between Chuck and the city that was authentic and hard to replicate. That bond became the source of frustration that he aired in the interview in February. The former MVP echoed those sentiments as he took his place among the organization’s best players. While 2-time MVP with the Suns, Steve Nash gave props to the organization, thanking them, the Chuckster took it to another level.

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“I just wanna say thank you, thank you, thank you. To Matt [Ishbia] and the entire Phoenix Suns organization. You guys are the best, y’all are the best. And I’ve said this a hundred times. I ain’t never leaving Arizona until I’m dead.”

After he said his piece, the team took to unveiling banners for each of its legends. While the crowd erupted into cheers, Charles’ words did ring a familiar bell. They were the exact words, after all, that he said months ago.

How did the Suns take away Barkley’s wish?

Due to his loud criticism of modern-day athletes for creating superteams, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith chose to question the 60-year-old’s career trajectory. Pointing to his stint in multiple organizations with some great players, one could accuse Charles of the same. However, Barkley had a defense.

According to him, he didn’t ask for an out from either Philly or Phoenix. Then, he would repeat the same words he said today at the ceremony. “I never wanted to leave Phoenix. I thought the Suns did me dirty in that situation.”?

But, with new ownership and a new outlook, Barkley is ready to let bygones be bygones. And, it seems like his bond with the Suns faithful hasn’t diminished one bit. It’s an exciting season, ladies and gentlemen, and we’re just getting started.

Read More: ?If Anybody Said Anything to My Teammates, They?re Gonna Go Through Me?: When Michael Jordan Failed to Intimidate Charles Barkley During 1993 NBA Finals