While the rise of a host of new superstars is a joy to watch, it is also a sign. The old guard’s time is coming to an end. And this season, we might be watching in real time, 3 of the all-time greats relinquish their control. However, while LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have shown some positive signs, the case for the Phoenix Suns is far worse. The Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal hasn’t given them the best of results. Consequently, both Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley found something to agree upon when dissecting the team and their chances.

First up was the 4x NBA Champion. “They really haven’t put it together. I don’t know how many games they’ve played together. But, I’m looking to see when they can start, this look a little dangerous. Right now, they don’t look like a Championship contender. And when you put 3 guys like that together, it’s Championship or bust. I don’t care what anybody says.”

But, a former Suns superstar himself, Chuck wasn’t as kind to them. “My Suns are in trouble. They have no leadership. They have no toughness. And the guard plays – Beal and Book don’t fit together. They don’t got a point guard. But they got no leadership. And they got no toughness.”

Later on, the man who won an MVP with the team in 1993 would bring up their clash against the Memphis Grizzlies last week as an example of their downfall. “I have no idea what they’re doing from a basketball standpoint. They’re just playing basketball. They got Devin Booker trying to play the point. He can’t play the point.” Instead, they have a team that could serve as their inspiration.

Charles Barkley offers up a bold solution for Phoenix

“If I’m Frank Vogel, I’m gonna say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have to do what the Clippers did. One of you guys, whether it’s Bradley Beal. Because he [Booker] don’t play fast enough to play the point. And it’s just not worth it with him and Beal. And somebody on that team has got to become the leader,” the Chuckster said during Inside the NBA.

Barkley sees two issues in particular with the roster; leadership and no style of play. Continuing with the Clippers comparison, he would continue with the biggest difference between the two sides. “When the Clippers got James Harden, him and Westbrook can’t play together. West took a bullet for the team and the rest is history. They’re playing great. These two guys [Beal and Booker] can’t play together. Neither of them is a point guard.”

While Shaq has a positive outlook for their future, with the hopes that the three can find a rhythm, Charles has a different view. With Russ’ sacrifice, the mindset has been established. Unless the team in The Valley can turn it around, is it a viable option for their success?