Charles Barkley Sounds Off on Suns

The Phoenix Suns are mentally weak, according to Charles Barkley.

Jan 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance at / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- It's safe to say Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley isn't a fan of how the organization is performing.

Nor does he believe the Suns - who have surely underperformed this season - will get things together before the postseason arrives.

"No, they're not going to figure it out," said Barkley to 12 News' Cam Cox after the NCAA National Championship game.

"They don't have any mental toughness. The leaders are not leading. So, you know, you are not going to turn it on this late in the season. I'm not sure what you're expecting, but their mental toughness, they are weak mentally and it's not going to go good for them."

When asked how the Suns can figure it out:

"It's on them - but from afar, they are just really soft and the leadership is not the players' leadership. The players have not led."

Full clip:

Gas on a fire: Caught up with Charles Barkley moments after the #FinalFour. Asked him about the #Suns...

"The leaders are not leading.. They're weak mentally.. They just really soft." @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/mQ6gaOCJ7u

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) April 9, 2024

Barkley - who has never been afraid to speak his mind - certainly aligns himself with much of Phoenix's fan base, especially after last night's poor showing against the Los Angeles Clippers.

With just three games left in the regular season, the Suns are in possession of the West's No. 7 spot, currently pinning them for play-in tournament status. They're one game back from the New Orleans Pelicans but do own the tie-breaker if the two squads finish on even levels when the dust settles.

Phoenix takes on the Clippers tonight for the second night of a back-to-back before finishing the year with road games against the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves.