Houston’s Pursuit Makes Barkley Feel Special

Why Houston?

“Because they wanted me,” Charles Barkley 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.”

Barkley spoke at a news conference to formally announce the fourfor-one swap that sent him 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.

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 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, is under contract for the next two years. 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. “Obviously, our goal is to win the world championship. That’s the only thing I haven’t accomplished in my career.”

Barkley arrived Sunday night with security rivaling that of a head of state. He did not go through a terminal at Houston Intercontinental Airport but 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.”

Team owner Les Alexander said he regretted having to give up as much as he did. All four will become free agents after this season.

“But I have to do what is best for the team,” Alexander said. “Charles Barkley is a proven superstar who can instantly make any team better.”

Almost lost in the Barkley hoopla was Houston’s signing of 7-foot freeagent center Kevin Willis, who averaged more than 10 points and eight rebounds last year with Miami and then Golden State.