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NBA: Rookies Who Appear Destined for Stardom

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Phoenix defeated Memphis 109-100. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Phoenix defeated Memphis 109-100. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 13

Slash Line: .432/.367/.840

Season Averages: 25.9 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 2.3 APG, 2.2 RPG, 1.2 3PM

When the Phoenix Suns drafted shooting guard Devin Booker, the general consensus was that Ryan McDonough made a smart selection. Acknowledged as the best shooter in his draft class, Booker was regarded as a developable talent for Phoenix to develop and space the floor with.

You may not be hearing as much about Booker as you do the Top 4 selections in the 2015 NBA Draft, but his rookie season has bordered on historic.

The only player on that list who isn’t a lock to make the Hall of Fame is Stephon Marbury, and Booker has twice as many 30-point games as Starbury before the age of 20.

Booker, who won’t turn 20 until October 30, has emerged as one of the best offensive players in this draft class. He has two double-doubles with 10-plus assists, and has six games with at least 25 points.

Over his past 36 outings, which coincides with his becoming a full-time starter, Booker is averaging 17.1 points. Booker must hone his fundamentals and footwork on both ends, but it’s clear that he’s far more skilled than previously believed.

More than just a sharpshooter, Booker has immense potential as the Suns’ future go-to scorer.

Next: The Under-the-Radar Rookie