Time is ticking for Devin Booker to become a winner. Even though the young star is just 23, he should be ready to think about more accolades to add to his resume. The Suns showed signs of improvement as they went 8-0 in the bubble last season. But if Booker cannot make the playoffs next season, it will be time for him to demand a trade.
Career thus Far
For the first few seasons of Booker’s career, it was shown that the team had no intentions of making the playoffs anytime soon. The franchise had to go through numerous coaches over a span of four seasons, none of whom saw the team through any major improvement. The Suns have failed to make a playoff appearance since 2010, and at some point they have to make adjustments to keep Booker around.
The 2019-20 season seemed to have shown very limited signs of improvement. Coach Monty Williams brought a new life to the team and influence them to become more competitive. The team got off to a good start to the season at 7-4. During that stretch, they became a more organized defensive team, communicating better on that side of the floor.
Booker led the Suns, averaging 26.6 points last season. Since it was his fifth season, Booker played with a bigger chip on his shoulder. The playoffs were a huge priority for him going into the season and he was amongst one of the top offensive players in the NBA.
Bubble Performance
As the NBA restarted its season in the bubble, the Suns knew what was at stake. Being the leader of the franchise, Booker understood that he had to take his game to the next level if Phoenix was going to have a shot at the playoffs. Once the eight-game stretch began, the Suns showed they were ready to compete.
Devin Booker was Devin Booker in the bubble for the Suns, scoring at will and hitting clutch game-winners.
The difference-maker in the Suns’ eight-game winning streak was the contributions they were able to get from others. Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Ricky Rubio, and others put forward winning efforts. Once again, the way they were playing on the floor was all due in part to the presence of Monty Williams. Willams made sure his team executed properly on offence and their effort defensively was what shifted momentum to their side.
Despite not advancing to the playoffs, it was a great sight for Phoenix, showing that they’re trending in the right direction. When the pressure was put on the team, they rose to the occasion and played together as one. Hopefully, this momentum can carry on to the next season. If the Suns continue to play this high level of basketball, it could result in a playoff spot at the end of the season.
Devin Boooker’s Future
As for Booker, he’s only 23, but it’s time to start putting pressure on the Suns organization. If you ask me, if the Suns can’t make the playoffs next season, Booker should demand a trade. It will be his sixth consecutive time not advancing to the postseason and it’s hindering his legacy at this point. Booker is a young talent that deserves to be in a winning culture. If it doesn’t happen in Phoenix, then it should happen elsewhere.
It’s time for Booker to start winning. Putting the pressure on the Suns front office could potentially force a better culture with the team. The roster already showed great sightings this past season in the NBA Bubble. Let’s see if they can shift momentum to become a playoff team next season.