- Stephen A. Smith gives huge praise to Suns star Devin Booker
- Smith says Book cares “all the time” like Kobe Bryant
- Suns star gets compared to a modern-day Kobe for his relentless work ethic
In an appearance on Club Shay Shay this week, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith explained why Suns star Devin Booker is the brightest example of the “mamba mentality” made famous by Kobe Bryant during his 20-year career.
“Jimmy Butler works, but the difference between Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker is Jimmy Butler doesn’t care that much about offense until the postseason arrives,” Smith said. “Kobe cared about it all the time, and Devin Booker cares about it all the time. They’re coming out looking for their shot from the opening tip-off. Jimmy Butler, sometimes you feel like you literally got to throw something at him just to make him shoot the basketball. It’s not a priority for him.”
Stephen A. Smith praising Devin Booker 🔥🫡 pic.twitter.com/4oaDzyyz8v
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) September 5, 2023
Jimmy Butler’s heroics in the postseason certainly send Kobe-esque vibes and there’s question that he’s one of the best in the world when he’s playing on that level. Still, Butler’s approach to the season differs greatly from how Kobe used to play.
When you look at somebody like Jimmy Butler or even Nikola Jokic, they have. a tendency to “coast” through the regular season to save their best for the playoffs. For Devin Booker, however, there is no coasting. Whether it’s early November or Game 2 of the Conference Semi-Finals, Booker is going to play with the same degree of urgency.
In today’s constantly evolving NBA landscape, that behavior is becoming increasingly rare to see and it’s why experts like Stephen A. have gone out of their way to point it out.
What Is The Mamba Mentality?
The late Kobe Bryant popularized the “mamba mentality” during his stint with the Lakers. Amid two decades of unprecedented excellence with the franchise, he followed a certain way of living that people still practice today.
Instead of relying on talent and good luck to determine his career, he did things the hard way by outworking everyone and never allowing himself to underestimate the competition. Every chance he got, Kobe was in the gym working on his game and improving his craft. For Bryant, it resulted in 5 championships and one of the greatest careers in NBA history.
Booker hasn’t found that kind of success quite yet, but if there’s anyone who can make it happen it’s him. The guy is practically running the show now as KD increases in age and he is showing no signs at all of slowing down anytime soon.
Booker Is Aiming To Lead The Suns To Their First Title Ever
The Suns narrowly lost out on the chip in 2021, when they lost to the Bucks in the NBA Finals. Ever since, feelings have been mixed about the organization and its status in the West.
The job now falls on Booker, 26, to salvage this era of Suns basketball and get his team the ultimate prize before the window closes. With averages of 27.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game on 49.4% shooting, Booker proved last season that he can carry an offense with excellent effectiveness.
For Booker, all that’s left is raising the trophy for himself but there is no doubt that he wants it more than anyone. This time, unlike in years past, the Suns are uniquely equipped to be the last team standing.
Besides Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns have a solid cast of veterans and a coaching staff determined to get the most out of their guys. If they can just stay healthy and get some more run time together, it could be all the pieces they need for a prosperous season.
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