Devin Booker walked into his 12th season with the Phoenix Suns wearing a new number, but the same steady edge that has defined his career. At 30 in October, he’s already done plenty. He still sounds like a player who believes there’s more ahead.
“I love the game more than ever,” said Booker during his media day press conference. “Honestly, my body feels better than it’s ever felt going into a training camp. So, I think, you know, as you get older you know, you learn new ways to train, new ways to take care of your body… I’ve been a sponge to, you know, a lot of guys that have had success and played a lot of years in their career.”
That matters for a Suns team that needs him on the floor. Booker played 64 games last season and averaged 33.5 minutes per contests, both his lowest marks since his rookie year.
However the season unfolds, Phoenix needs the version of Booker that is healthy, confident, and able to drive everything it wants to do. His standing in the NBA’s player hierarchy may have shifted, but the Suns still can’t really operate without him.
This time, Booker is also leaning into something the Suns haven’t had much of: continuity. Phoenix brought back almost the entire roster from last season, and Booker sees that as a real advantage.
“I’m excited about it. In the past, you know, I’ve been more successful; the team has been more successful when you know, we know what to expect going into the year,” said Booker.
“We’re coming in all with the same mindset to win. So time will tell, but you know, it’s definitely gonna be nice seeing some familiar faces back, with the same coach.
We’re all on the same page. This summer was a big summer for us to keep all the same guys in the same building.”
That same-coach part matters too. Jordan Ott is only the second head coach Booker has had in consecutive seasons, with Monty Williams being the other. Put that next to the roster returning largely intact, and Booker believes the Suns are in a better spot to get rolling early.
The work has already started. Booker said the group met up multiple times this offseason, including full-team sessions in Vegas and Flagstaff.
Dillon Brooks also had about half the team in Toronto. On top of that, the Suns have been holding open gyms at the facility about three times a week.
“We got together a few times, you know, as a full team,” Booker said. “You know, I know Dillon [Brooks] had about half the guys in Toronto too.
We all met in Vegas. We all were in Flagstaff, and you know, this past month we’ve been running a lot of open gyms, probably three times a week in the facility… There isn’t an off season anymore.
You know, we’ve been building; we’ve been getting that chemistry together.”
That chemistry is a big deal for Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, a trio that played in only 10 regular season games together last season. Add Miles Bridges and Khaman Maluach, and there’s still plenty of figuring out to do.
Booker and Maluach have already started that process. Booker said the two worked together this offseason to get a feel for each other.
“You know, we would end up being in the gym at the same time late night, and then one time he just texted me and was like, you know, can we get some work in together?” said Booker. “So, you know, I think that that guard and big relationship is super important, and you know, he’s way ahead of the curve.”
The Suns believe all of that work gives them a chance to open the season better than they did a year ago. Booker agrees.
“To start the season, we’re gonna be definitely ahead of where we were to start the season last year,” said Booker.
“We have to remain healthy, and you know, we’re gonna get that chance to, you know, like I said, start this season off more on the same page than we were last year.”
For Booker, that’s the lane. Stay healthy, stay connected, and use the summer work to get moving right away. The Suns’ franchise player has been setting the tone all offseason, and he believes the group around him is finally in position to match it.
In Other News...
Suns Are Asking Fans To Believe In A Core That Already Failed
After a rough finish to last season, the Suns are leaning into continuity with a roster that still looks very much in flux. The front office already made a series of moves around the edges, trading away Grayson Allen and Royce ONeale while bringing back Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie, then adding Miles Bridges to the mix.
The bigger question is whether that collection can actually function better than the group that faded after Feb. 5 and then got swept in the playoffs. Injuries and fit issues have already raised concerns, and Jalen Green in particular stands out as a swing piece for how competitive this team can be going forward, which leaves Phoenix asking fans to trust a core that has not yet earned it. [Read more 🡒]
Mat Ishbia Just Sent Suns Fans A Huge Message About This Team
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For Suns fans, the bigger message was stability at the top. Ishbia said he intends to stay involved for decades, and he also plans to keep increasing his ownership stake with his family. In a league where ownership uncertainty can hang over a roster, Phoenix at least heard its biggest stakeholder say he is not looking for a short-term run. [Read more 🡒]
Suns Face A Tough Frontcourt Choice After Mark Williams Injury
Mark Williams shoulder injury has left the Suns sorting through a frontcourt spot that suddenly feels a lot more important. Phoenix already has 15 players on standard contracts, so any addition has to fit neatly into a roster that is being managed closely as the team tries to stay competitive and keep enough size on hand.
One option under consideration is Duop Reath on a two-way contract, a move that would give the Suns extra center depth while letting him split time between Phoenix and the G League affiliate. The appeal is obvious for a team trying to patch a position without creating bigger roster ripples, and the Suns are weighing that route alongside the other two-way pieces already in place. [Read more 🡒]