"I don't really play defense for the Phoenix Suns; I rely on scoring and rebounds to help the team win and make money for the boss. If you want me to play defense, give me another million."
Besides, as long as Larry (Bird) is around, I'll only become the second worst defensive player in the league!
...Having Larry defend me would be my biggest dream.
————"New York Times", March 12, 1991, an excerpt from an interview with Barkley.
Unlike the Washington Bullets, the Phoenix Suns are a vibrant offensive team.
Before Barkley's arrival, their offensive engine was Kevin Johnson.
In the 1990 playoffs, Gan Guoyang teamed up with his teammates to hunt down Johnson, causing the Suns' offense to lose its core.
Though Tom Chambers could consistently contribute more than 20 points per game, it was of no help to the team's victory; he couldn't inspire the other players.
