NBA: Rookies Who Need More Playing Time
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 13
Slash Line: .532/.739/.750
Season Averages: 14.6 MPG, 6.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.9 3PM
Devin Booker is averaging roughly one made three-point field goal per game. That may not seem noteworthy, but it becomes so when you process the following fact: Booker is shooting 73.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Through 20 games, Booker is 17-of-23 from three-point range. That’s insane.
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Booker hasn’t established many skills beyond his insane shooting stroke, but he’s turned 19 on a relatively recent Oct. 30. The fact that he’s already developed a skill that can breed a lengthy NBA career is not only promising, but immensely valuable.
It’s hard to imagine the former Kentucky Wildcats star continuing to convert 73.9 percent of his attempts from three-point range —Kyle Korver holds the NBA record at 53.6 percent—but Booker’s proven himself to be a legitimate sharpshooter.
A development to watch in Booker’s game is his ability to create off the bounce. He still needs to be set up, to some extent, but he’s competent attacking the basket, finishes well in stride, and has shown impressive instincts as a team-first player and passer.
The good news: Booker’s up to 19.4 minutes played per game in seven December outings.
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