Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has certainly been one of the best young stars in the NBA. Currently, he is certainly one of the top 5 shooting guards in the league. Booker has a great bag of offensive skills and is even a skilled shooter. The Suns got him in the 2015 NBA draft as the 13th overall pick.
Recently, Devin Booker appeared on the “Backyard Podcast” speaking with the Los Angeles Lakers star DeAngelo Russell. On the podcast, Booker talked about the Miami Heat potentially drafting him as the 10th overall pick. He stated that he was hoping to be selected by the Miami Heat and was looking for houses near the arena in Miami.
Oh no, Miami is where I was hoping. Cause Miami was my best workout, then I remember Pat Riley came and did the interview, and he’s like, ‘We’re looking for a Klay Thompson-type player we need to up our shooting.’ I just shot 40 in college. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah.’ I’m looking at spots down there by the arena. Devin Booker via Backyard Podcast
Booker stated that he had his best pre-draft workout with the Miami Heat. Even the Heat wanted a guy who is a great shooter and Booker was certainly one of them. But eventually, the Heat went on to draft Justice Winslow as the 10th pick instead of Booker. Booker and Winslow had a very big contrast in their careers. Winslow just averaged 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds and was seen in the NBA G-League for the last season.
While Winslow failed to deliver for the Heat, Booker became the face of the Phoenix Suns. Booker even managed to help the Suns reach the NBA finals in 2021, it was their first appearance in the finals since 1993. Last season Booker averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Even after having both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the team, Booker is still carrying the scoring load of the team.
Steve Kerr praises Devin Booker’s adaptability
After his great season with the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker is currently part of Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Suns guard is a constant starter in the lineup and USA head coach Steve Kerr had some praising words for him.
In a USA basketball press conference, Steve Kerr talked about Booker. Kerr stated that Booker is one of the most adaptable players in the league and can switch to different roles during the game. He even stated Booker has been great with any combination.
He’s probably been the guy who’s been most adaptable to go from a different role in the NBA to a new one here. He’s such a big scorer in the league, but just like in Tokyo, he’s adapted to being an on-ball guy, ball mover, the offense clicks when he’s out there, and the defense is really good. That’s why he’s started every game and seems to be good with any combination. Steve Kerr via USA basketball
Although Booker has averaged 11 points in his last two games of the group stage. As such, his impact on the court is significant. Even after being a great offensive player, he has shown signs of great defense on opposing guards. Booker will certainly be an important asset for USA’s journey to win the gold medal.
