1. Devin Booker is him
If you were in the building for media day, then you would have felt it. Without question, Devin Booker is him. It wasn’t just the aforementioned Chuck Taylors, it was the way he carried himself no matter where he went in the building. Booker has the aura of a superstar, and everybody around him acts as such.
Booker with a microphone in front of him is a PR person’s dream. He constantly says the right thing and gives credit and positive words to anybody who is mentioned. When pressed on the Ayton situation, he handled it with dignity and class, and thanked his former teammate for everything he helped to bring to The Valley.
"It means a lot. He's a player first."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 2, 2023
Devin Booker on Mat Ishbia saying the Phoenix Suns are the "best team" in the NBA.
Booker also addressed the Deandre Ayton trade, saying he felt a new energy coming off him when they shook hands before he left. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Gi1u5EIgJc
The front office also made a point when asked of reiterating that this is Booker’s team. Durant might be the best player on any given night, but when all is said and done, they go as Booker goes. To be given that backing publicly while playing with Durant and Beal, has clearly done wonders for Booker.
Durant himself also willingly and gladly ceded that this was Booker’s show as well, another huge boost for the player. You can say what you want about the roster than owner Mat Ishbia has created, but there will be no in-fighting here. Everybody is on the same page about roles and expectations.
At a time when James Harden failed to report for media day so as to try and leave the Philadelphia 76ers, the air of calm and poise that Booker brought to the day was fantastic. Entering his ninth season, the goal is clear and the roster is set. All Booker has to worry about is playing basketball, and he is already one of the best in the world at that.