Phoenix Suns: Who should be part of the long-term core in Phoenix?
By Jono Perilli
Devin Booker
Putting their current star player in their long-term core is an obvious choice. Who wouldn’t want one of the best scorers in the league as your centerpiece player? He’s most likely untouchable, but not 100 percent a lock for the future.
Coming out of the 2015 NBA Draft, with the 13th pick, Devin Booker has become a star in only a few years of the spotlight. Easily an All-Star caliber player, Booker is ever-improving his game, as seen with his improved field goal efficiency and defence this year.
The only con that Devin Booker has is that his stats aren’t translating to wins. That’s nothing new, it’s been like that since his historic 70 point game back in 2017.
In 50 games so far, this season, Devin Booker has averaged 26.7 points per game and 6.3 assists per game, all on 50.3 percent from the floor. Compared to the past few seasons, he’s shown a massive improvement when shooting.
But let’s go back to my alarming statement before, regarding his roster spot in the future.
One team can change that: The Minnesota Timberwolves.
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With Devin Booker having a strong friendship with both D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, some NBA fans have speculated about a super-team rising, including all three of the young stars. But Phoenix would be utterly stupid to trade away Devin Booker to the Timberwolves, considering that the Timberwolves don’t have anything of real value to offer for the guard.
But, it’s highly likely that the Phoenix Suns are cashing in on Booker, and going forward, he should be their go-to guy for buckets. Pair that up with an athletic Deandre Ayton, you’ve got yourself a boot-leg Shaq and Kobe duo.