Devin Booker is one of the best young players in the league, and that much is certain. With career averages of 22.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game on 44.7% shooting, he’s a star in the making.
Unfortunately for him, the Suns have yet to surround him with the pieces necessary to win a title. In fact, they’ve been pretty awful for most of Booker’s tenure with the team (which has spanned four seasons so far).
It’s been so bad that ESPN insider/analyst Stephen A. Smith admitted he wasn’t sold on Booker’s future with the franchise after being asked if the young star was “wasting” his best years.
“I think Booker is a star and I think the reason he’s not an MVP candidate is because their team is not good. I love Devin Booker, I think he’s got that kind of game. But the environment that you’re in sometimes can sully what your abilities can ultimately bring to the table and that’s really the problem and that’s why I’m not sold on him staying with Phoenix. I don’t want to say the word “waste” because of Monty Williams. Nothing is a waste as a player with Monty Williams. But your owner does matter and, at least in recent memory, Sarver does not have the greatest reputation.”
The Suns have been the epitome of disappointment and failure for years now. And, despite having Booker, they have been unable to truly turn things around.
Book is still just 23, so there’s plenty of time to right the ship. But if Phoenix doesn’t act fast, their star could look elsewhere to achieve the success he desires.
