Phoenix Suns: 5 Goals For Devin Booker In 2015-16

Sep 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker looks on before throwing out the first pitch for the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker looks on before throwing out the first pitch for the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
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Phoenix Suns
Mar 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Devin Booker (1) attempts a jump shot during the first half of the SEC Conference Tournament championship game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports

2. Shoot 39 Percent From Downtown

This may seem like a lofty goal for a rookie, especially since we’ve seen so many poor three-point shooting rooks on the Suns’ roster over the last few years. But since this is the biggest asset that Booker brings to the table — one that Hornacek and general manager Ryan McDonough have said will earn him his minutes — it’s fair to put that kind of expectation on him from the get-go.

In taking a look at the great three-point shooters over the last few years, it becomes pretty obvious that the game’s greatest sharpshooters have wasted no time in establishing themselves from downtown. Stephen Curry (43.7 percent), Klay Thompson (41.4), Kyle Korver (39.1), Ray Allen (39.3), Wesley Matthews (38.2) and J.J. Redick (38.8) all quickly proved themselves as efficient long range shooters as rookies.

No one’s saying Devin Booker has to take the same path or that he even needs to place himself in that elite class as a three-point shooter. But if that is indeed his goal (which it should be), starting off strong from three-point range (even on a limited number of attempts) will place him on the right career trajectory and earn himself extra minutes in the process.

Next: No. 1