PHX Reporter

Former Phoenix Suns player and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he’s “never leaving Arizona.”

“I’ve said it 100 times,” Barkley said during halftime of the Phoenix Suns Oct. 28 game against the Utah Jazz. “I ain’t never leaving Arizona ’til I’m dead.”

Barkley’s remarks came during a ceremony for a “reimagined” Ring of Honor for all-time great Phoenix Suns players.

The ceremony honored former Suns players Alvan Adams, Charles Barkley, Tom Chambers, Jerry Colangelo, Walter Davis, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Connie Hawkins, Kevin Johnson, John MacLeod, Dan Majerle, Al McCoy, Steve Nash, Joe Proski, Dick Van Arsdale and Paul Westphal.

These players will all have banners hanging from the ceiling of the Footprint Center, as well as murals on the upper level of the arena.

NBA Hall of Fame Steve Nash also speak during the ceremony, and the Suns announced that former players Shawn Marion and Amare’e Stoudamire will be inducted in the Ring of Honor later this season.

Barkley, 60, is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Barkley played for 16 seasons in the NBA, representing the Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets. 

Over the course of his career, he received 11 NBA All-Star selections, the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and an Olympic gold medal as a member of the "Dream Team" in 1992.

Off the court, Barkley transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. He has been a prominent analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA" program, where his candid commentary and humorous insights have made him a fan favorite.