2018-19 Phoenix Suns Preview: Devin Booker

“I’m done with not making the playoffs.” – Devin Booker during this exit interview last season.

When Devin Booker stated that he was done missing the playoffs, Phoenix Suns fans knew  they finally had a star with the drive to win on their hands.

Fast forward one contract extension and about five months later and the 21-year-old guard looks to lead the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 with a revamped roster and a new head coach, Igor Kokoskov.

So, what can we expect from Booker this season?

In his young career, Booker has established himself as one of the better scorers in the game. Last season he ranked 10^th in points per game averaging 24.9 in 34.5 minutes in 54 contests.

Only four active players have averaged more points per game in their age-21 season.

That list is populated by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and former college teammate, Karl Anthony-Towns.

One of the criticisms involving Booker’s game was inefficient scoring and not adding more to his game.

In the 2017-18 season, Booker improved on both fronts.

His 3P%, eFG%, and TS% each improved from his previous two seasons, and he has improved/learned to take on the role as a facilitator.

The comparisons to James Harden are tempting when watching Booker cook thanks to his improved ball handling and becoming a more willing passer.

Of course, like James Harden, there will be questions about his defense. Both the eye test and the advanced numbers aren’t kind to him in that department.

Booker often plays defense with a pickup game mindset. He led the team in fouls per game in 2017-18 and sometimes would allow players to blow by him one-on-one or allow players to sneak backdoor cuts for a trip to the basket.

Booker has yet to average more than one steal per game in his young career. His defensive box +/- last season came in at -2.4. Meanwhile, his defensive rating clocked in at 115 which ranked outside of the top 200 among guards in the league.

To be fair to Book though, the Suns have been abysmal on the defense for a few years now. His lack of production on that end could be attributed to the scheme and the talent featured there.

With that said, now that Trevor Ariza, Mikal Bridges, and De’Anthony Melton are in town, it’ll not only take a bit of ease off Booker’s shoulders, but he could also pick up a few habits from them on the way to becoming a passable defender.

Especially from Ariza who is one of the better wing defenders around.

Compared to last season, Booker has more talent surrounding him. Between acquiring the players mentioned, Ryan Anderson, and drafting DeAndre Ayton and Elie Okobo, the Suns are trying to make things easier for their $150 million-dollar man.

Whether it translates to transforming a team that ranked dead last in both offense and defense a year ago into a playoff contender remains to be seen.

However, for Booker, his proclamation on not missing the playoffs has placed bold expectations on himself and the team in the eyes of fans.

There is also the fact that Booker underwent surgery recently to repair an injury to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of his right hand. Putting the team at a disadvantage early in the first few games of the season.

In the best-case scenario, Booker returns without missing a beat, he continues his climb among one of the best guards in the league, and the Suns become a fringe playoff contender.

While it is entirely possible and likely that Booker continues to improve and creates some All-Star buzz, it’ll take more than that to actually deliver on his promise.

Unless, the James Harden comparisons come to life sooner rather than later.

However, crazier things have happened, and the breakout is imminent. It’s just a matter of when and not if.