Charles Barkley has boldly endorsed Phoenix Suns’ defender Dillon Brooks for an All-Star reserve position ahead of the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. His support came during an episode of SiriusXM NBA Radio’s “NBA Today,” where he notably did not mention the Suns’ standout and four-time All-Star, Devin Booker, sparking conversations about potential snubs in the lineup.
Barkley commended Brooks, who is having a career year, citing his essential role in helping transform the Suns’ defense from last season’s struggles to a formidable unit currently ranked seventh in the league. After being acquired from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade, Brooks has emerged as the Suns’ second-highest scorer with an impressive average of 20.5 points per game. Barkley emphasized that Brooks “deserves a lot of credit for what’s happening in Phoenix,” drawing comparisons to the impactful defensive play of Draymond Green, a four-time All-Star known for his contributions during the Golden State Warriors’ championship run.
Looking ahead to the All-Star reserves selection, Barkley will be joined by his “Inside the NBA” colleagues Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith for a discussion on their predictions, raising curiosity about which players might miss out on inclusion amid a competitive field. Players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Anthony Edwards are expected to be natural picks for reserves, while Devin Booker, averaging 25.4 points per game, may face a tough battle against other high-caliber Western Conference talents.
In another notable detail, the All-Star Game’s format has shifted this year to feature a USA vs. World matchup, with Brooks eligible to be part of the World team given his Canadian heritage. As the selection process unfolds, many fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this unique change will impact player dynamics and representation in the prestigious event.
With the excitement building around the All-Star Game, there is hope that both Brooks and Booker will receive the recognition they deserve, underscoring the ever-evolving talent landscape in the NBA as teams continue to vie for playoff positioning. This comes at a time when the Suns are showing strong potential, making their case for a deep playoff run this season.