“I’m Gonna Be Cremated,” Charles Barkley Confesses Major Love and Loyalty To State of Arizona

Charles Barkley talks about why Arizona will always be his final home.

“I’m Gonna Be Cremated,” Charles Barkley Confesses Major Love and Loyalty To State of Arizona

Charles Barkley does not like the premise of the NBA Cup (Image via FirstSportz)

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Charles Barkley has been an avid fan of golf. Over the last few years, several former and active NBA players have taken an interest in the sport, such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and more. Born in Leeds, Alabama, Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number five pick in the 1984 NBA draft.

After spending eight seasons with the 76ers, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns. The trade worked out well for the club and the player. During his four-year spell with the Suns, Barkley won the league MVP and took them to the NBA Finals in his first season. However, they lost to Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in six games.

Following his retirement, the 11-time All-Star turned into an analyst and is part of the crew on Inside the NBA, a post-game show alongside host Ernie Johnson Jr., and former players Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.

On the show, Barkley is well known for his trolling and for his over-the-top comments, such as calling the NBA Cup embarrassing, and consistently targeting the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors for having an old squad. Barkley and O’Neal are known for engaging in humorous banters, arguments, and silly bets, which have led to the duo being huge fan-favorites of the show.

Despite not winning a championship, Barkley became a fan favorite in Phoenix. The feelings are mutual, as the former player has shown deep love for the city as well. He continues to support the Suns in the NBA and is known to be living in Arizona. Speaking on the Destination Golf podcast, Barkley made his feelings clear about Arizona.

I got traded to Phoenix in 1992. Thank God. I got out of Philly. And when I leave here, I’m going to be cremated. I’m never leaving Arizona. We’ve got the best golf courses in the world. Especially, we’ve got the best public golf courses in the world. There are a lot of great golf courses in places, but most of them are private. But I would put Phoenix up against any part of the country for its public golf courses.

Barkley’s connection to the state has grown over the past 30 years, when he left the Suns and joined the Houston Rockets in 1996. It was his last chance at winning a championship, but unfortunately, it did not work out. After retiring in 2000, Barkley chose to settle down in Arizona and has been living there for over 25 years.

LeBron James’ All-Star streak continues against Charles Barkley’s wishes

When the All-Star starters were announced last week, one name was omitted that caught everyone’s eye. After 21 straight years of being named as a starter, LeBron James missed the cut this time. His teammate Doncic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama, were chosen as starters from the Western Conference.

The fan vote accounted for 50% of the selection process, along with a survey of NBA players and a media panel, and to no surprise, Doncic took center stage, winning the fan poll by almost 200,000 votes. Before the announcement of the All-Star reserves, Barkley spoke about why he thinks the four-time NBA Champion should not be included.

We already have the starters and I want to give some other guys coming off the bench some shine. Its borderline. The one guy I’m going to war for is Dillon Brooks. I think Dillon Brooks deserves to be an All Star.

But in the end, James was selected as an All-Star on Monday night for the 22nd straight season, extending his remarkable streak. Barkley had picked Dillon Brooks to earn his maiden All-Star appearance, but unfortunately, the Suns forward was not selected.

Charles Barkley rips the Sacramento Kings after De’Andre Hunter trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis on Sunday. After being traded to the Cavs at the trade deadline last season, things have been difficult for the former number four pick. The 28-year-old was averaging just 14 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in just 26.2 minutes this season.

De'Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter (Image credits – ESPN)

Barkley did not hold back on the Kings after hearing about the Hunter trade.

This trade makes zero sense for both teams. The Cavs have a legitimate chance of winning the East, and you know I’m a big Hunter fan. I have no idea what Sacramento is doing. I mean they’re getting him, but I don’t know what they’re doing. But I’m disappointed in the Cavs because I’m a big De’Andre Hunter fan.

It was a surprising move by the Kings. The Cavs got what they wanted in acquiring Ellis, while the Kings’ moving for Hunter does not make much sense, as they are looking to rebuild their roster. The Kings sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

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