The 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end with the US team completely dominating the basketball scene. Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He was also selected to the All-Star Five along with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Everyone on the national team performed well and did their job effectively. However, one player stood out from the group. While celebrating the win, the US team’s head coach Steve Kerr spoke highly of Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. His words expressed what he had done for the team that made everything work for the group.

“Devin Booker is an incredible basketball player. Nobody questions him. He completely changed his role from what he was in the NBA. He was kind of our shadow MVP and I just wanted to say that.”

Throughout the Olympics, Booker was a staple in the starting lineup, but he was often overshadowed by James, Curry, and even his Suns teammate Kevin Durant. However, that didn’t stop him from making significant sacrifices and contributing to the team.

During his 2024 Olympic run, he averaged 11.7 points and 3.3 assists. Booker was a reliable shooter, shooting 56.8% from the field and 56.5% from beyond the three-point line. The Michigan-born star made the most of the opportunities he was given.

Being part of Team USA means working with some of the best players in the world. In most cases, all of the players on the team are established NBA All-Stars. This year was no different. Booker teamed up with several All-Stars, champions and proven winners.

With so many stars on the team, it’s clear that not everyone gets the chance to be THE MAN. This was the perfect situation for Booker to apply what he learned at Kentucky. In college, the 6’6″ star wasn’t the Wildcats’ first choice. There, he learned to be the reliable role player everyone saw during the games in Paris.

At Kentucky, Booker’s college team had Karl-Anthony Towns, the best player on the team. Towns was the team’s second-leading scorer, closely followed by the Suns star. There was no player on the 2014-15 squad that outperformed or stood out from the others. The entire team depended on who was on the squad, and they were very successful with that.

Although the Wildcats didn’t win the title that year, the system helped the players perform well, and their effort as a team shaped the stars who led their teams to the big leagues.

When watching Booker’s performance for the US team, some fans thought it had similarities to his college career. And they were right, because that’s exactly how the four-time All-Star played in Paris, knowing that the presence of James, Durant and Curry would limit his chances of getting the ball.

But he didn’t sulk about it. Instead, he helped make the team’s offense more fluid. Booker knows he’s a threat when it comes to scoring and often makes small adjustments to get the defense to help other stars.

Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports pointed out a play where Booker’s movements helped Curry get space against France. He rushed to the baseline and drew attention from three defenders, which gave Curry space to shoot a three-point shot.

This is just one of the many underrated plays that made Booker an undervalued player for the team.

It’s also satisfying to see Booker deliver on his promise after Team USA failed to compete at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma posted on social media asking if anyone is willing to do the little things. Given that the team has enough scorers, they need someone who can line up in the corners on offense and be ready on defense.

Booker accepted the challenge then and has done so again this year.

This is also the reason why he should join Team USA at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Booker knows how to make sacrifices and become a leader on the court. This is a trait that most fans have not noticed. By the time the next Olympic Games come around, James, Curry and Durant may have already retired. An experienced star like the Suns guard will contribute to their success.

Booker should be one of the top names on the roster for the U.S. team at the next Olympics, as he has already shown that he is willing to sacrifice a lot to help the team win.