NBA legend and former Phoenix Suns star Charles Barkley is rooting for his old team to win the NBA Finals. However, he knows it is easier said than done, especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo plays and returns to good health for the Milwaukee Bucks.
In his latest appearance on Inside the NBA on TNT, Barkley shared the difficult path the Suns are facing. Chuck specifically pointed out Antetokounmpo's health as a key factor, highlighting that should he return–even not at 100 percent–the Bucks are going to be difficult to beat.
"If Giannis is 85 to 90%, I'm going to go with Milwaukee, but all my heart and soul is going to be pulling for my Phoenix Suns, I will tell you that."
Charles Barkley as he hit @NBAonTNT 'guarantee' button in picking #Bucks over #Suns in #NBAFinals. #NBAPlayoffs #NBAPlayoffs2021 pic.twitter.com/EQQquPn0XK
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 4, 2021
True enough, it is not surprising to see the Bucks as the favorites considering that they have a wealth of experience and a balanced team with players who can step up when needed. Milwaukee proved just that when the managed to close out the Atlanta Hawks when Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a knee injury that kept him out of the last two games of the East Finals.
Article Continues BelowAntetokounmpo's status remains day-to-day, but there is increasing hope he'll be able to suit up on Tuesday in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Besides, there were reports he would have been given the green light to play had the conference finals extended to a Game 7.
The Suns have a plan in place for Giannis if the Bucks play him. Hopefully, that would be enough to stop the so-called Greek Freak.
For his part, Charles Barkley is surely wishing for the best for Phoenix.