Trait Devin Booker displayed this summer that should give Suns fans title hopes

The Phoenix Suns are coming off a disappointing season. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are two of the world’s best players, but they were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns needed more talent behind their Big 3 and must get more production from Bradley Beal. Having Booker in the MVP conversation would help. Phoenix has the top-end talent but needs more than that.

The Suns added some needed depth this offseason. Tyus Jones slated to start at point guard with Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris joining the rotation. Phoenix also selected Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro in the draft. New head coach Mike Budenholzer has more options and versatility. It will be about bringing the roster together and making the whole more than the sum of their parts.

Booker and Durant played key roles in Team USA winning an Olympic gold medal this summer. It was incredible, and Book put the team ahead of himself. He was not a superstar in their talented group and certainly turned heads with his performance. Booker showed a trait that will help the Suns.

Devin Booker is willing to do whatever it takes to win

During the six games in Paris, Book averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game for Team USA. He shot 56.8 percent from the field and made 13 of 23 3-point attempts. The Suns guard was the fifth-leading scorer and played a complementary role on their star-studded roster.

Head coach Steve Kerr even called Booker “our MVP” after winning the gold medal victory. The 27-year-old put his ego aside and did what was asked of him. Team USA did not need another scorer, so Booker was a connector and defender to help them win.

Suns fans should have beamed as the four-time All-Star transformed his game for the team. Phoenix needs him to be elite, but there may be a playoff series where Booker has to operate as a lockdown defender. He could shift his focus and give the Suns a chance. All the best are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and Book certainly had that trait on full display in Paris.

Phoenix needs someone to be the defensive stopper in their opening unit. Jones is slated to start at point guard next to their Big 3. The Suns need a big man, which makes Jusuf Nurkic their fifth man in the opening group. That leaves Beal or Booker as the team’s primary wing stopper, especially in the playoffs when the opposition always has an elite option. Book must embrace that role and try to lift the Suns with his defense and scoring.

The Phoenix Suns plan on being in title contention this season, and Devin Booker’s summer proved he will do what it takes to win. Year two is usually stronger for Big 3s, but the Suns are flying under the radar. Does Book help the franchise make the leap? Stay tuned to find out.