Last season, the Phoenix Suns encountered multiple challenges related to roster construction, with the most significant being the lack of a traditional point guard. Following the departure of Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer, it was the first time since the 2018-19 season that the team didn’t have a reliable floor general.
The 2023-24 Suns approached the situation with optimism, placing their bets at the craps table and rolling the dice. While the anticipation was for a lucky seven, the outcome was a disappointing snake eyes, leaving everyone at the table feeling deflated. That squad achieved the same number of postseason victories as the 2018-19 team: zero.
In the absence of a traditional point guard, Devin Booker took on the role of distributor for 91% of his possessions, according to Basketball-Reference. Although the Suns acquired Bradley Beal with the intention of having him play point guard, he only handled the ball on 2% of his possessions. Devin Booker selflessly stepped up for the benefit of the team, transitioning from his natural shooting guard position to be the primary distributor when his team needed him most.
Phew! Isn’t it a relief that season has come to a close?
This offseason, James Jones and the Phoenix Suns made it a priority to enhance their roster by adding distributors, bringing in Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. Not only do they improve playmaking, but they also have a reputation for being cautious with the ball, each having impressive assist-to-turnover ratios.
Problem solved! Devin Booker can return to his shooting guard role and be recognized as one of the league’s elite shooting guards!
Oh, hold on. Bradley is still on the roster, right? Yikes.
Exactly. After acquiring Bradley Beal last season, the Suns now face another roster conundrum. Although the plan was for Beal to take on the point guard role for 2023-24, he ended up playing shooting guard. This season, Tyus Jones is projected to start at point guard. So, what does this mean for Booker? Not a return to the two-spot. With Beal—a smaller player—at shooting guard, Booker will likely shift to small forward.
It’s not that Booker can’t handle the small forward position. He demonstrated his capability on the international stage during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was the unsung hero, doing all the essential tasks that contributed to a gold medal for the United States.
“Devin Booker is the unsung hero… can play both sides of the ball, score a lot of points, and also defend.”
– Coach Dawn Staley
Stamp of approval from a legend. pic.twitter.com/wAp96MIvOe
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) July 28, 2024
However, here in the United States, Booker is not merely an ancillary player among superstars. He is in his prime, turning 28 this October, coming off an All-NBA selection and an All-Star appearance.
And for the second consecutive season, he will find himself playing out of position.
Booker isn’t the type to complain. He’ll keep his head down and focus on his responsibilities because he’s a professional who is dedicated to this team, the organization, the city, and its fans. He is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. He desired superstars to join him, and now, with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on board, he is the one making the adjustments.
Despite his willingness, relying on a prime superstar playing out of position may not be the most effective strategy. Again.
One significant challenge for Booker will be on the defensive end. Although he is officially listed at 6’6”, he is likely closer to 6’5”. While that may not seem crucial, at the NBA level, those extra inches can greatly impact performance. He will be matched up against taller, more muscular opponents, requiring him to exert additional effort just to hold his ground. The physical strain of defending larger players night after night can accumulate, potentially affecting his stamina and overall performance on both ends of the court.
Moreover, the mental burden of consistently defending out of position—particularly against some of the league’s top wings—is another factor that shouldn’t be ignored. This adjustment could gradually influence his performance, even as he continually gives his best for the team.
On the offensive side, he still has ample opportunity to shine. With a true point guard on the roster, he will have the ball in his hands less often, allowing him to concentrate on his strengths: coming off screens, receiving dribble handoffs, finding open spaces, and sinking jumpers.
Defenses will continue to plan around him. Consider defenders who have successfully slowed him down in the past, such as Matisse Thybulle or Jaden McDaniels during last year’s playoffs. Long, athletic wings like them will likely be assigned to cover him based on defensive strategies and matchups.
Positionless? No problem. Physicality on offense, and since he will assume the three spot, physicality on defense too.
If anyone can thrive while playing out of position, it’s Devin Booker. We saw this last season, with him averaging 27.1 points per game and achieving a career-high of 6.9 assists. If anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s D Book. However, this is not the ideal method for team construction.
These prime years of Booker’s career are exceptional and crucial. The team must do everything possible to surround him with talent (check) that enables him to be the best version of himself (box unchecked). As the seasons fly by, we should not look back and question what could have been done to maximize results within this window.
If we do, having Booker play out of position might top the list.
Finding Balance: Devin Booker’s New Role Amidst the Phoenix Suns’ Roster Shuffle
Overview of the Phoenix Suns’ Roster Changes
The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant changes in their roster, particularly with the emergence of a potential ‘Big 3’ comprising Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. This strategic shuffle aims to enhance team performance and competitiveness in the NBA. Understanding Devin Booker’s evolving role is crucial as he adapts to new dynamics and responsibilities.
Devin Booker’s Evolution
Devin Booker has consistently been a standout player for the Suns, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. As the team navigates the complexities of integrating new star players, Booker’s role has shifted, requiring him to balance his individual performance with team-oriented strategies.
Key Aspects of Booker’s New Role
- Scoring Leader: With his elite scoring abilities, Booker remains a primary offensive weapon.
- Facilitator: As more star players join the roster, his role as a playmaker becomes increasingly critical.
- Defensive Contributions: Adapting to a greater defensive responsibility is essential as the team aims to enhance its overall defense.
Challenges Faced by Devin Booker
While Booker’s talent is undeniable, the transition to a new role brings several challenges:
- Team Chemistry: Building rapport with new teammates like Durant and Beal is vital for cohesive gameplay.
- Balancing Ball Control: As defenses target him, finding ways to maintain offensive flow without over-reliance on his individual skills is important.
- Injury Management: Ensuring his health while carrying a significant load during games is crucial for sustained performance.
Benefits of Embracing a New Role
Adapting to a new role can provide various advantages for Devin Booker and the Suns:
- Enhanced Team Dynamics: A flexible role allows Booker to foster better synergy with teammates, leading to improved performance.
- Increased Scoring Options: Sharing the spotlight with Durant and Beal can create more opportunities for scoring, as defenses cannot key in on a single player.
- Development of Leadership Skills: As one of the team’s leaders, navigating these changes can help Booker grow as a player and a leader.
Practical Tips for Devin Booker
To successfully transition into his new role, Devin Booker can employ several strategies:
1. Improve Communication
Regular discussions with teammates about their playing styles and preferences can help Booker’s adaptability on the court.
2. Emphasize Teamwork
Focusing on team play rather than individual accolades will promote a more cohesive unit.
3. Develop Versatile Skills
Expanding his skill set, particularly in defensive techniques and off-ball movement, will enhance his effectiveness in varied game situations.
Case Study: Recent Performance Against Golden State
In a recent matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Devin Booker showcased his ability to adapt. Despite defensive efforts to limit his ball control, he led the Suns to a narrow 119-116 victory. This game exemplified how Booker can still shine and contribute significantly even amid roster changes and evolving tactics [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5133506/2023/12/13/devin-booker-suns-elite-big-three/)].
First-Hand Experience: Insights from the Suns’ Coaching Staff
Coaches have noted that Booker’s adaptability is one of his greatest assets. They emphasize that his willingness to embrace change and learn new systems reflects positively on team morale and performance. The coaching staff continues to encourage Booker to leverage his basketball IQ to understand the shifts in strategy better.
Future Outlook for Devin Booker
The future appears bright for Devin Booker as he navigates his new role. Continued collaboration with Durant and Beal can solidify his position as a versatile player capable of excelling under varying conditions. As the Suns strive for a championship, Booker’s balance between individual brilliance and team synergy will be pivotal.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As the Phoenix Suns work towards establishing their new identity, Devin Booker’s ability to find balance in his role will be instrumental. By embracing the changes and focusing on both individual and team growth, Booker is poised to lead the Suns deeper into the playoffs.
Table: Key Statistics for Devin Booker’s Current Season
| Statistic | Current Average | Career Average |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | 28.4 | 23.4 |
| Assists per Game | 7.1 | 4.6 |
| Rebounds per Game | 5.2 | 4.5 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 48.5% | 45.8% |
