Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-5 rookies in Phoenix Suns history

By Steve Miner

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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#5 – Devin Booker

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 21: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Miami Heat on March 21, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 21: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Miami Heat on March 21, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

If you only look at Booker’s overall statistics during his rookie season, they don’t look overly impressive. However, Booker improved significantly during the second half of that year. In fact, from January on, Booker averaged 18.3 PPG while vastly improving his assist and rebounding averages. Counting only March and April, his scoring average improved to 21.1 PPG.

Part of Booker’s improvement was the fact that Eric Bledsoe’s injury allowed him more opportunities. However, while lesser players may have wilted under such early pressure to perform, Booker took full advantage of that opportunity. He stepped up when other, more experienced players did not. Booker’s stellar play showed that he was more than just a spot-up shooter. He outplayed most of those taken ahead of him in the draft that season, proving that the 13th spot in that draft was too low for him. He was ultimately rewarded with a selection to the All-Rookie First Team.

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