Devin Booker has been playing some of the best basketball of his career this season. After years of struggling to get Phoenix some success, Booker found the best running-mate in Phoenix when the franchise traded for Chris Paul. The duo became All-Stars this season. But it was during the playoffs where fans got to see the evolution of Devin Booker. Unlike Paul, who is an NBA veteran with loads of playoff experience, Booker had never been in a playoff series.
And what a way to make your debut in the playoffs. Booker has been excellent, as he helped the Suns overcome the Lakers, Nuggets, and the Clippers to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in his career. Booker has looked a lot more motivated this season than in the past few years. And his physical conditioning and performances have improved greatly over the last year. But what is the reason for this sudden change?
According to his former teammate and champion Jared Dudley, Booker can thank his current beau Kendall Jenner for his improved physique. He said Booker always had the talent to be a superstar in the league, but earlier on, didn’t have the motivation he does today. Booker has reduced his social activities like partying since he has been in a relationship with Booker. His increased focus has resulted in him looking a lot better physically and improving his performances on the court. Dudley then joked his face looking slimmer could be a result of the influence of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
“If you look at his body now, he now finally has cuts in his body, got serious with his nutrition … In a way, I think him having a girlfriend has helped him. Helped him stay more focused, less out in the nightlife. It was his passing ability that was poor. He could shoot the ball…I knew he was going to be an All-Star player, but I just think he took the next step with his body. He’s in phenomenal, phenomenal shape. He’s cut up. The first thing I saw was, looking at his face, I could see his cheekbones. He’s been with the Kardashians, I didn’t know if he had surgery or he lost some weight.”
Booker’s performances have helped spur the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in their first playoff appearance in 10 years. But right now, he must take it up a notch, as he and the Suns enter Game 6 of the NBA Finals staring elimination in the face against the Milwaukee Bucks.
