Earning MVP nods toward the regular season’s final weeks, most viewed veteran point guard Chris Paul as the centrepiece to this Phoenix Suns steam engine which they saw earn the league’s second best record, and now see barreling its way through the playoffs. It makes sense given Paul’s track record with elevating teams beyond their expectations, most recently with the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.
Paul indeed deserves significant credit for Phoenix’s turn around, having provided some much needed leadership for this young team to go with his on-court excellence. But contrary to popular belief, Devin Booker is the best player on the Suns, and even the best player still standing for that matter, now with four teams still alive this postseason.
Although Booker lacks multiple MVP awards like Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young’s logo-range shooting touch, or Paul George’s multiple All-Defensive First Team accolades, he currently boasts numbers greater than them all, and even some NBA legends as well.
Booker even made history with his scoring barrage last night, becoming the sixth player ever to notch multiple 40-point games during his first postseason run. Booker too became the fourth player ever to lead both teams outright with his scoring, rebounding, and assists during a Conference Finals game, joining LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Bill Russell.
A 40-point triple-double in his first conference finals game.
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) June 20, 2021
So, so many people owe Devin Booker an apology for some really bad takes
But while Booker might seem like a newer face, at least for one to still be seeing this far into the playoffs, do not confuse his unfamiliarity to this stage with discomfort. He currently averages 29.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game for the Suns this postseason, all coming as top five marks for all shooting guards.
These comparisons aim not to badger or demean other NBA players, with those already mentioned enjoying remarkable campaigns for themselves as well, but instead just intends to give Booker the respect he so truthfully deserves. However, for those still doubting Booker and his abilities, keep reading, he just might be outperforming your favorite player already.