Devin Booker is the heart and soul of the Phoenix Suns after 10 years with the NBA franchise. The shooting guard didn’t enter the competition as a highly touted prospect, but Booker proved his value with his offensive performances.
With an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, Booker has yet to return to the big stage. The Suns have gone through major changes since that season, losing Cam Payne, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, among others.
Booker has stayed with the team through thick and thin, as he continues to strive for a championship. The Suns could have selected a different player with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft if it weren’t for John Calipari.
The 66-year-old coach took Booker under his wing when he played for the Kentucky Wildcats, but his usage apparently “ruined” Booker’s draft stock.
John Calipari credited for Suns drafting Devin Booker
Luke Duffey of Valley of the Suns notes that Devin Booker, a potential franchise GOAT over Charles Barkley or Steve Nash, continues to build his legacy. Duffey notes that Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon recently redrafted the 2015 draft class, which led to a major revelation about Calipari’s role in Booker’s selection.
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at PHX Arena on March 24, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Vecenie explained that Booker “didn’t play a lot” after Calipari decided to limit his minutes to 21.5 per game. He played 38 contests, but didn’t start in a single one of them.
Booker averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field, 41.1% from deep and 82.8% from the free-throw line.
Players such as Jahlil Okafor, Mario Hezonja, Willie Cauley-Stein and Stanley Johnson were selected ahead of Booker, but the Suns are grateful that things transpired that way.
