Why the Houston Rockets? Charles Barkley knows precisely.
"Because they wanted me," he said Monday. "I'm a 33-year-old power forward and you want people to want you and to respect you. For them to try as hard as they have in the last year and a half to get me, that made me feel special."The star forward spoke at a news conference Monday to formally announce the four-for-one swap that sent Barkley from the Phoenix Suns to the Rockets for guard Sam Cassell, forwards Robert Horry and Chucky Brown and forward-center Mark Bryant.
"When I first heard about the trade, I was a little nervous because they did give up a lot to get me," Barkley said. "That's just going to make me work harder."
The deal capped months of talks that appeared to die earlier this summer when a three-way trade fizzled involving the Rockets, Suns and Denver Nuggets.
In Barkley, who has averaged at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game the past 11 seasons, the Rockets get sizzle and swagger and a third likely Hall of Famer on the court to join Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.
"We felt the addition of Charles was an opportunity we could not pass up," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "I am so excited about this deal. It should be a lot of fun. I can't wait to get started."
Drexler says he feels the same way.
"I like Robert and Sam as individuals and I liked playing with them," he said. "But on the other hand, you have to look at who you're getting.
"I think it's a gutsy move. I'm excited to be playing with Charles and Hakeem on the same floor."
Barkley, who will wear No. 4 in Houston, is under contract for the next two seasons. He said until recently he had wanted to finish his career in Phoenix.
"As of today, my whole goal and dedication goes to the Houston Rockets," he said.
Barkley arrived in Houston Sunday night with security rivaling that of a head of state. He did not go through a terminal at Houston Intercontinental Airport but instead was whisked by limousine from the tarmac to his hotel.
"I don't guarantee anything," Barkley said. "But I have no problem saying this: If we don't win a championship, I'll be crushed."