Sun(day) On A Monday: Judging A Book By Its Cover
By Spencer Hann
Skipping the normal Monday column format on this slow August week, let’s take an in-depth look at Devin Booker and his potential franchise-changing impact on the Phoenix Suns.
At the culmination of the 2015-16 season, there will be 10 players chosen for All-Rookie NBA First Team and Second Team. Devin Booker may be one of those selected, then again, he may not be. Either way, Booker has the potential to have an impact on the Suns and the direction of the organization as much as any player, sooner rather than later.
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At quick glance, the 6’6″ shooting guard represents a playmaker and DEADLY sniper from behind the arc, already making him incredibly valuable for the Suns. Booker’s ability to keep defenses honest by spreading the floor will do wonders for the rest of the Suns backcourt, opening up driving lanes that — due to multiple help defenders because of the absence of a shooter — were not available last year.
But labeling Booker as just a three-point specialist would be doing the rookie a serious disservice. Watch any of Booker’s NBA Summer League games and it’s very clear, unlike most rookies, he lets the game come to him. An even better ball-handler than first thought, Booker showed serious poise and decisiveness running pick-and-rolls with the Suns big men throughout the month of July.
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Yes, we all are well aware of the guard’s 40 percent three-point shooting ability at this point and have seen the ridiculously efficient shooting numbers from his single season at Kentucky. So, to quote ESPN’s Skip Bayless:
“What does the eye test tell you?”
It tells me this kid’s pretty damn good and the comparisons that Booker has drawn to Klay Thompson are well warranted. Both players can hit the long ball with RARE ease, shoot off the dribble, drive and dish, defend taller opponents and most importantly, they play within their own game, never forcing anything that isn’t there.
For the above reasons (and then some), it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Booker explodes onto the scene THIS YEAR, solidifying his spot in the regular rotation while putting Archie Goodwin on the trade block.
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Playing hypotheticals for a moment, let’s say Booker ends this year on one of the All-Rookie NBA teams, shooting 35 percent or better from behind the arc and an average of eight or more points a night. Then Booker returns for his sophomore year, shoots 40 percent from three-point range and ups his scoring average into the double digits, playing as the Suns’ sixth or seventh man.
In this scenario (which is seems incredibly more likely than not) can the Suns truly afford to keep running their dual point guard system when they have a true shooting guard ready and waiting to start? By Booker’s third year with Phoenix — barring a Kevin Durant signing next summer — the Suns still will not have gotten close to winning the NBA championship.
Booker can help in more ways than one. With their 13th overall pick, Phoenix gave themselves as much trade flexibility as any first rounder has given them. Why? Well, it’s clear by their admiration for the rookie and his serious potential and current talent, the Suns drafted Booker to be THE shooting guard for years.
Well, that change could and likely should take place entering his third year. Does that move itself immediately put Phoenix in title contention? Of course not! It’s the move that precedes this one that can.
Phoenix is NOT going to pay Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight $70 million to come off of the bench if (when) Booker is inserted into the starting lineup.
*And no, there will be no talk of a possible Booker, Bledsoe, Knight lineup. While that’s absolutely something the Suns will try (and should have SERIOUS offensive success with at times), it’s not something that can win in the playoffs.
For that reason, Booker has tremendous influence on the Suns’ dual point guard system/organizational philosophy. His emergence and fulfillment of potential will spark a trade of either Knight or Bledsoe. It’s coming, get used to the idea.
A package of Knight or Bledsoe and several first round picks could net Phoenix the star power forward they have so long hoped for.
You make that trade entering Booker’s third year, insert him into the starting lineup alongside Knight/Bledsoe (whoever remains on the Suns), T.J. Warren (will be starting much sooner than this), their newly acquired power forward and Tyson Chandler (still going strong, thanks Suns trainers!)
This new core to go along with three or four strong reserves would give the Suns their best shot yet to win in the playoffs as it would simultaneously arrive with several Western Conference teams aging out (hi Grizzlies, Clippers, etc.)
Booker’s development cannot be understated. He holds the key to the Suns changing their entire dual point guard system and putting together a very deadly, traditional starting lineup. In time, he can single-handedly put Bledsoe or Knight on the trading block for a star big man.
There is not another player on Phoenix’s roster that has this type of potential and power there for the taking.
Pretty impressive for just an 18-year-old kid.
Next: Drawing Up Potential Markieff Morris Trades