The Phoenix Suns made some massive roster changes this summer, and they all revolved around once again making Devin Booker the centerpiece of their organization. Committing to the 28-year-old with a two-year, $145 million extension was owner Mat Ishbia's way of doubling down on the homegrown star, and the onus is now on him to deliver in a big way in 2025-26.
Hard as it may be to believe, but Booker was neither an All-Star or was even a serious candidate for an All-NBA selection if we're being honest last time out. The recent unveiling of the team's preseason slate of games does at least suggest Booker remains popular abroad, but he's almost being overlooked in league circles and is not viewed as a top 10 player in the NBA anymore.
Tim Legler thinks Booker is about to have career best campaign.
The always entertaining and informative Tim Legler jumped on the ALL NBA podcast to talk all things Western Conference, and unsurprisingly the Suns came up relatively early in the conversation. Legler was complimentary of Booker altering his game completely for Team USA at the Olympics a year ago, before backing the player to accept the oncoming challenge of this season in a different way.
With the team now revolving around Booker once more, Legler expects him to turn in one of his best seasons in the league yet. In theory that sounds like the right way to approach this, Booker is going to get all of the touches and looks that he wants. Being named an All-Star again - no matter how bad their record is - should be expected, while a return to an All-NBA team should also be on the table.
But two key events that could unfold throughout the course of the season would stop that from happening. The first is that Booker gets no help at all, to the point the Suns languish at the bottom of the conference. If Jalen Green struggles and none of the rookies contribute at all, this is going to be a long season.
Not even putting up 30 a night would put some gloss on that fact, so Booker does need at least one or two of his teammates to help him along the way. If that's the case - and there's no reason to believe that can't happen - then Legler is right in saying Booker could return in a big way. The issue of the point guard position however, is of bigger concern.
Some in the know believe Green will begin the campaign at the one, a position he does not have a lot of experience with. If that is the case - and if it does not go well - then Booker could be shifted back to that spot. In the last two seasons he has both set and then broken his career highs in assists - and although that alone doesn't not indicate success - we know he can be unselfish when needed.
That could derail what should be a season in which Legler gets his wish and Booker posts career highs in points, usage and touches each night. Looking at this from the most cynical point of view, and Booker doing it all will only increase his trade value anyway, which would suit everybody long-term.