Devin Booker's inclusion in Team USA's 2024 Olympic run went under the radar until the tournament ended. The star guard was phenomenal as he remained a consistent teammate for the other stars.
The ball wasn't always in Booker's hands, but he was effective by playing his role well. As a starting guard surrounded by other ball-dominant players, the Phoenix Suns star was aware of his role in Paris as an off-ball threat.
Fans witnessed a different type of player in Booker during the Paris games. In the six games he played, the four-time All-Star took on the role of a spot-up shooter. He remained patient within the perimeter and was a reliable scorer when open. The former Kentucky star averaged 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
The national team was confident in his attempts from the field as he shot 56.8 percent from the field and 56.5 percent from deep. The ball most certainly went through the basket whenever he chose to shoot. It was Booker's second time at the top, and this kind of play helped Team USA win another gold medal.
Booker became a principal piece of the team's success. This led to head coach Steve Kerr crediting the Suns star as their "unsung MVP." His development this year was proof that his game has matured and is why he could be the most senior member of the team for the 2028 Olympics.
Booker's recent Olympic run could help him secure a spot in the next Olympics for Team USA
The national team's roster for this year features some of the most veteran stars of the NBA. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are all in the twilight years of their careers. This means that the recent Olympics could be their final run with Team USA.
James was asked after he was named the MVP for the tournament. The four-time champion told reporters that he can't see himself as part of the Team USA at the 2028 Olympics. For Curry, fans might've seen his lone participation in the tournament during the summer. The Golden State Warriors star had his first and possibly only chance at playing for Team USA at the Summer Olympics.
As for Kevin Durant, he hasn't shut down the possibility of playing for Team USA in 2028. There's still a chance that fans could see him play for the national team one more time and go for his fifth gold medal win. At that time, he'll be 39-years-old and no one knows if he'll still be active in playing basketball.
USA's Kevin Durant on whether he will gun for a fifth Olympic gold medal at 2028 Los Angeles: "As far as 2028, who knows, man."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 10, 2024
That leaves Booker as one of the most tenured players for Team USA. Others could point out that Bam Adebayo and Jayson Tatum could still be available to play for the national team. Adebayo has a bigger chance of committing to the Olympics. But the Suns star is still a more experienced player than the big man.
Tatum, on the other hand, had a tough experience this summer. He didn't have consistent minutes and was benched when they played against Serbia during their opening game and in the semifinal round. His experience this summer might influence his commitment to 2028.
Tatum on playing in 2028 Olympics: "it is four years from now and I [would have] to take some time and think about that." 🗣️
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) August 12, 2024
How should Jayson Tatum feel about his 2024 Olympics experience? pic.twitter.com/jgH8wdajsP
As a result, Booker is the only player with the most experience who could commit in four years. The guard fits the system that Kerr has used in the past two Olympics well. His ability to transform his game from a ball-dominant scorer to someone who does the little things has secured him a spot in the future.
In the previous era, it was Carmelo Anthony who transformed himself into someone who would do everything to win. This era could use someone who will take on that role and Booker has answered the call.
As a player with plenty of experience, Booker could easily become the most senior player the next time the Olympics are around.