The Phoenix Suns have been the NBA’s best team all season long, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Devin Booker, 25, has been one of their biggest and most consistent contributors, averaging 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5 assists per game on 46.2% shooting.
Despite the facts, however, Book has been noticeably absent from MVP talks of late. In the eyes of 76ers coach Doc Rivers, it’s a sin.
76ers coach Doc Rivers said Devin Booker should be in the MVP conversation: “He clearly is. Anybody who says he’s not is just absolutely insane.”
76ers coach Doc Rivers said Devin Booker should be in the MVP conversation: "He clearly is. Anybody who says he's not is just absolutely insane."
— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) March 27, 2022
The case is growing for Book’s MVP campaign. Doc is just one of multiple prominent NBA people to give him the nod. Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Isiah Thomas, and even the great Shaquille O’Neal have sung his praises.
“Steve Nash won MVP winning 60+ games averaging 16 and 11. Book gonna win 60+ averaging 26 and 6 and won’t even get consideration,” said Shaq.
So far, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been deemed as the frontrunners in the MVP race. What they are doing this season deserves to be recognized.
But Booker’s name belongs right up there with them. The Suns have been the NBA’s most consistent team all season long and currently boast the league’s best record by 9 wins. They are 60-14, on a 7-game win streak, and have beaten many of the game’s most elite teams.
As their main scorer and closer, Booker is a huge reason for that success, and there is no telling where they’d be without him.
Still, bigger matters are at stake for Phoenix than the MVP conversation. After losing in the Finals last season, the Suns have yet to prove they can close the deal and bring home a title. The hope is that this will finally be their year.
So whether or not Booker raises that MVP trophy in April, his eyes focus will be on what happens in May and June.
