Charles Barkley has gone from respected NBA player to respected commentator, and today, he made headlines for comparing today's Boston Celtics with 1994's Phoenix Suns.

Sporting News is reporting that Barkley recently shared his thoughts about what the Celtics of this year are doing wrong — and it's a lot of all the same thing that the Suns did wrong back in 1994, when the team hit the playoffs.

Despite the fact that the Suns were well on their way to a championship, they got eliminated in the second round because of various injuries, contract disputes, Cedric Caballos' ego getting in the way of performing at his best, and Richard Dumas' awful drug abuse.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum issues 7-word message on Achilles injury rehabDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Jaylen Brown photoshopped in Spurs jersey
Spurs’ trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it upBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Insider suggests Knicks could steal Celtics veteranMalik Brown ·

Charles Barkley says that if the Celtics don't get it together this season, they're headed for the same fate as the Suns.

“When I first went to Phoenix, we got together and I said, ‘We're going to go to the Finals, and we're going to play the Bulls.' I remember having that conversation. ‘We're going to play the Bulls for the championship, and I think we're going to win.' But I said, ‘This is what I need: Just play. Don't worry about playing time, don't worry about who's making the most money. Let's just play.' I remember the next year, guys started complaining about playing time, who made the most money, and that's exactly what's happening – I said that before the season now, so I'm not just saying that now – with the Celtics.”

Although the comparison isn't exact, Charles Barkley makes a point that it is well taken and would be best served to be heeded.