Even though they’ve been shattering expectations throughout what’s been a remarkable 2025-26 season, the Phoenix Suns could be without a representative at this year’s NBA All-Star Game.
Despite a breakout season from trade acquisition Dillon Brooks, the lone player on the Suns who’s most likely to make it to the 2026 All-Star Game remains face of the franchise Devin Booker.
Depending on who you ask, he’s on the outside looking in at a spot with the Western Conference. ESPN’s Zach Kram listed Booker as “on the bubble” to be named to what would be his fifth All-Star selection in early December. His ESPN colleague Tim Bontemps likewise put Booker on “bubble watch” for the All-Star Game more recently, but softened the blow a bit by calling the Suns “the league’s best story.”
So, are there any NBA pundits who think Book should get the nod?
Bill Simmons has Devin Booker among his picks for the All-Star Game
Although ESPN’s NBA writers aren’t bullish on Book’s chances of getting All-Star nod number five, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons didn’t echo their sentiment of having Book on the bubble.
In a video posted to Instagram, Simmons lists Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, as well as Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards as his three locks in the Western Conference.
Simmons rounded out his starting five with veteran sharpshooter Steph Curry and, “begrudgingly” he says Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic needs to be in. “I don’t think any of that is that controversial,” he said.
His All-Star reserve choices out West may rile up some fans around the league, but Simmons put Booker in that mix along with former Sun Kevin Durant, now with the Houston Rockets.
His other reserve picks out West: Jamal Murray, Alperen Sengun, Victor Wembenyama, Deni Avdija and Julius Randle.
If anything is going to hold Booker back from All-Star recognition this season as he guides the Suns into an unexpected playoff hunt, it's injury woes and 3-point shooting.
Booker missed three games in December due to a groin injury. The Suns went 1-2 in those games. He also missed the Jan. 15 contest against the Detroit Pistons due to an ankle injury.
OK, so four games shouldn't be enough to knock Booker out of All-Star contention, but in a league so loaded with talent, the margins are razor-thin.
Due to that, Booker's regression from beyond the arc is a legitimate wart on his resume. A career 35.1% shooter from long range, Booker is cashing just 30.3% of his 3-point tries this season, which is by far a career worst.
To be fair, there's really nothing else about Booker's game that works against his All-Star case, unless you want to nitpick about his 3.3 turnovers per game. That's the highest turnover average for Book since the 2019-20 season as he takes on more of the ball-handling duties within the offense.
Outside of that, Booker is averaging 25.2 points, 6.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals per contest while making 45.4% of his field goals overall at the time of writing.
Book may ultimately wind up as an All-Star snub, but at least Simmons is giving the Suns standout the recognition he deserves.