Charles Barkley

After campaigning to be traded, Barkley became a member of the Phoenix Suns beginning with the 1992-1993 season. That year, the Suns had the best record in the NBA and Barkley won the MVP award. The team met the Chicago Bulls in the NBA finals, where they lost the series in Game six. The next year, Barkley considered retiring when he hurt his back in training camp. But the idea of trying again for the NBA title lured him back. However, the Suns would lose to Houston in the Western Conference semi-finals. During the 1995-96 season, Barkley experienced regular knee pain, but still managed to average 23.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. When the Suns lost in the first round of the playoffs, Barkley was outspoken about his desire to play for a better team.