The 2023-24 NBA season was a disappointing run that Phoenix Suns fans have decided to forget. The team tried to make their "Big 3" work, but injuries and a lack of team chemistry ruined their fun. The highlight, or lowlight, of the Suns this season was during their brief playoff run. Their season-long struggles resulted in them getting swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Through all this, Devin Booker maintained his elite level of play. Before the start of the season, there was some doubt about how Booker would perform as the team's new floor general. He quickly proved the doubters wrong and showed that he could play both guard positions excellently.
Looking back at his transition to being the Suns' primary playmaker, one could wonder how great he performed. This leads to the question, "Was the 2023-24 season the best campaign for Booker?"
Booker's outing this past season could be one of his best so far. But what about the past years?
Statistically, Booker had an incredible year. He averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Suns. The shooting efficiency of the former Kentucky guard was identical to what he registered in the past seasons. He shot 49.2 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.
He played 68 games the past season, and that's the second time that has happened in his career. His availability this year was a bounce back since he only suited up for 53 games during the 2022-23 campaign. Booker did all this while being the team's unofficial, full-time point guard. Usually, when players transition to playing different positions, they tend to struggle.
But one reason why he didn't show too much signs of struggle playing the point guard position is because he's had experience doing it. At times, Booker would get chances to run the offense as the primary ball-handler.
To top it off, Booker was named a member of the All-NBA Third Team, which makes him a two-time All-NBA player. He was also named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career.
However, looking at all he did and accomplished this season, I'm still not convinced this was his best season. Booker is still 27 and has plenty of time to show how great he is, as long as he stays healthy. The 2023-24 season is one of the best campaigns he's had in his young career. Digging deeper, we could see that he's played a better brand of basketball before.
What is Booker's best season?
If we're to pinpoint which season was the best for Booker, it would be Chris Paul's second season with the Suns. During the 2021-22 season, the team's momentum was high since they reached the NBA Finals the previous year. This led to an incredible campaign from Booker.
The 6-foot-6 guard played 67 games that season and put up 26.8 points, five rebounds and 4.8 assists. His numbers, especially in the scoring department, isn't his best. However, Booker stayed efficient as he made 46.6 percent of his field goals. He tied his career-best 38.3 percent from downtown, which he first did during his third year.
That season, he earned his third All-Star selection. Booker also earned his first All-NBA First Team selection. Even more impressive was that the media noticed how good he's been during that year when he finished fourth in MVP voting.
So far, the 2021-22 campaign was the best season for Booker. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to have better performances in the coming seasons.