Francis ranks 16th in top 50 NBA players from The Sporting News

Barkley didn't get schooled, he doesn't have alot of D to start with, but he held his own at the offensive end. But in 98' Barkley schooled Malone until he was mobbed and got that injury. Barkley has an MVP, Barkley won the Rebounding title. The smallest player ever to do so. In Barkley's prime, he could take it to anyone. I remember in the 93 play-offs when he carried the Suns into the finals. KJ wasn't playing his best at that stage as well. Did I also mention he was clutch? If Charles had have been more dedicated to working on his body to keep himself fit. The guy would have easily been better then Malone.

 

Actually he came in as a rookie PG, and a decent one at that. Since then, he has evolved into a SG. I wouldn't say he was raw in his rookie year.