Why Its No Surprise Devin Booker Is This Good
The Phoenix Suns are set to be one of the more exciting, young teams in the league heading into the 2016–17 season. Devin Booker who made the All-Rookie First Team last year heads into his sophomore campaign as the focal point of the Suns. It is a big change for the 19 year old, who came into the league last year not knowing how much time he would see on the floor night in and out. However, ending the season last year averaging 14ppg and often guarding the opposing teams best player, he has gained valuable experience to come into this year ready to write a new script in Phoenix.
Booker, drafted 13th overall in last years draft came into the league as the youngest player in the draft class. His production early on played right into what some of the critics were saying about him not being able to create his own shot as he was only averaging about 7ppg through December. But the second half of the season was a completely different story. Above 17ppg through January, 14ppg in February, and how about 22.4ppg in the month of March. He finished his rookie year scoring 18 a game in April, to end the season having gained the trust of his teammates and new coach, Earl Watson.
Booker was on display last year during the All-star weekend competing in the three-point contest and it was well deserved. He shot 35% on the year, although not incredible, for the amount that he took; it was just fine for his rookie campaign. This off-season, the Suns picked up 3 players in the draft (Bender, Chriss, and Ulis) that will all be called upon early and often this year by Coach Watson. Although he is only a 19 year-old, Booker will now join Tyson Chandler, Eric Bledsoe, and Brandon Knight as being one of the leaders to the youngsters and other players on the team, and he is ready. He was active all off-season, as was the entire Suns roster. But in the pre-season so far, Mr. Booker has been tearing the league up. He is averaging 22ppg and shooting at a 51% clip. It is not realistic to say that these Phoenix Suns are a top contender in the West yet, but it seems like they have a budding superstar in Devin Booker. Combined with the young, explosive teammates he is surrounded with, it should be enough to get the ball rolling in the right direction this season.
