The Phoenix Suns are coming off a disappointing season. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the world, but they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns needed more talent behind their Big 3 and need to get more production from Bradley Beal. Having Booker in the conversation for MVP would help. Phoenix has the best talent, but needs more.
The Suns have added depth this offseason. Tyus Jones is expected to start at point guard, with Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris joining the rotation. Phoenix also selected Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro in the draft. New head coach Mike Budenholzer has more options and flexibility. It will be about bringing the squad together and making the whole more than the sum of its parts.
Booker and Durant played key roles in the USA team winning the Olympic gold medal this summer. It was incredible and Book has lifted the team above and beyond. He wasn’t a superstar in their talented group and certainly turned heads with his performance. Booker showed a trait that will help the Suns.
During the six games in Paris, Book averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game for Team USA. He shot 56.8 percent and made 13 of 23 three-pointers. The Suns’ guard was the fifth-leading scorer and played a complementary role on their star-studded roster.
Head coach Steve Kerr even called Booker “our MVP” after winning the gold medal. The 27-year-old put his ego aside and did what was asked of him. Team USA didn’t need another scorer, so Booker was a facilitator and defender who helped them win.
Suns fans should have been beaming as the four-time All-Star transformed his game for the team. Phoenix needs him to be an elite player, but there could be a playoff series where Booker needs to be a relentless defender. He could shift his focus and give the Suns a chance. The best are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and Book definitely put that trait on full display in Paris.
Phoenix needs someone to be the defensive stopper on their opening unit. Jones is slated to start at point guard alongside their Big 3. The Suns need a big man, making Jusuf Nurkic their fifth man in the opening group. That leaves Beal or Booker as the team’s primary wing stopper, especially in the playoffs when the opponent always has an elite option. Book needs to embrace that role and try to move the Suns up with his defense and scoring.
The Phoenix Suns are looking to compete for a title this season, and Devin Booker proved over the summer that he will do whatever it takes to win. Year two is usually stronger for the Big 3, but the Suns remain under the radar. Will Book help the franchise make the jump? Stay tuned to find out.
