Phoenix Suns: 3 goals for Devin Booker in 2018-19

3. Make the All-Star Game

Last year, Devin Booker attended All-Star Weekend for the second time, winning the 3-Point Contest in convincing fashion. This year, his goal should be to book a ticket to Charlotte not only to defend his title, but to add the first All-Star appearance to his resume.

Last year, his numbers were All-Star caliber, but his team’s appalling record and the time he had missed was more than enough to remove him from serious consideration. In 2018-19, earning a spot on the All-Star team would mean he’s either putting up absurd numbers in a second consecutive breakout year, or the Suns are unexpectedly competitive, or both.

Booker didn’t mention an All-Star selection at Media Day, but he’s clearly embracing the burden and honor of being a franchise player.

"“I’m not just representing myself anymore, I’m not representing my family, I’m representing a whole franchise and a city and a storied organization with fans that are ready to win and a whole organization that’s ready to win,” he said. “So it’s a good pressure to have. I feel like I’m built for it, with a great supporting cast around me.”"

Last year, Booker wound up posting 24.9 points, 4.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range. If he approaches a 27-5-5 stat line — not out of the realm of possibility considering how little help he has around him — and the Suns are still within arm’s length of the playoff picture, he’d be a deserving All-Star candidate.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the Suns are still in playoff range by February given the sheer talent in the West, and it’s also hard to see him beating out so many superstar guards in a conference that includes Stephen Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, Donovan Mitchell, Jrue Holiday and so many more. This should still be a goal, but there’s a reason it only comes in at No. 3 on the list.