Devin Booker Emerges NBA Star, Suns Build Core Around Him

Devin Booker has undergone a remarkable transformation from a relatively overlooked college player who wasn't even a starter at Kentucky to one of the NBA's premier scorers and the cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns franchise. Selected 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Booker’s steady improvement has earned him comparisons to Kobe Bryant and the respect of peers, including D'Angelo Russell, a fellow 2015 draftee. Russell, who competed against Booker pre-draft and has observed his growth firsthand, highlighted how Booker initially struggled with basic skills like dribbling but has since developed into a polished professional and prolific scorer. Over the past decade, Booker has evolved from a promising youngster into a franchise leader, averaging 26.8 points over seven seasons and leading his draft class in career points. His development journey exemplifies hard work and perseverance, with Russell noting the motivational impact of witnessing Booker's rise. This progression underscores Booker’s status as a stable, consistent presence on the Suns, now carrying the team as its biggest star following Kevin Durant's departure.