The Paris Olympics provided a new lens through which the world viewed Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ all-star guard. It’s the magic of the Olympics: they make us cheer for athletes we might not usually support. Personally, I’ve never been much of a LeBron James fan in the NBA, except maybe in 2007 when his Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. Classic me—rooting for the underdog.
But earlier this month, I found myself enjoying the experience of rooting for LeBron. Similarly, many people, for the first time, found themselves cheering for Devin Booker.
What they saw wasn’t the typical Booker. He wasn’t the primary scorer, the “Alpha Book” we’re used to. Instead, he took on a secondary or even tertiary role, playing full-court defense, crashing the boards, and focusing on the small things that helped his teammates succeed. The world saw “Beta Book,” and it was a revelation.
Even if Booker’s Olympic performance doesn’t directly translate to his play with the Suns, it was gratifying to see him succeed and watch the world react positively to our beloved Sun. He left Paris not just as a gold medalist but as someone who reshaped his national narrative.
Booker’s play impressed many, including his Olympic teammates. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who often came off the bench to relieve Booker, was among those who took notice. In an interview with Jalen Rose, with Kevin Durant present, Edwards expressed his admiration.
“Steph had great games, he had great games,” Edwards said, referring to Durant. “LeBron had great games, but Book was guarding the best player, turning down shots. Cause Book can go for seventy, you know what I mean? I ain’t gonna lie, I was impressed watching him.”
The respect Booker commands in the league is no secret. Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, both future Hall of Famers, didn’t just end up in Phoenix by chance—they came to play with him. And now, young stars like Anthony Edwards are beginning to understand why.
As Booker enters his 10th NBA season, he’s come a long way from the wide-eyed kid from Moss Point, Mississippi, who was once just piling up points on a losing team. Now, at 27, he’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a four-time All-Star, and a two-time All-NBA player. Remarkably, he’s both a seasoned veteran and still in his prime.
The narrative around Booker has evolved, though its full implications won’t be clear until the season unfolds. The NBA is, in many ways, a popularity contest, and perhaps now the talking heads will finally give him the recognition he deserves, leading to more accolades.
Ant Man: “Steph had great games, he (KD) had great games, Lebron had great games, but Book was guarding the best player, turning down shots, Book go for seventy, not gonna lie, I was impressed watching him.” #FanaticsFest
🫡 @DevinBook @theantedwards_ @KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/KHJkgjW5t6
— Whyba (@wbhuvad) August 17, 2024
Does that really matter? Probably not. But it’s the reality of the NBA, and it might be one of the perks of his Parisian summer. What we really want is a championship, and having Devin Booker deliver that would be the ultimate victory. And if he does, guess what? The love might just turn to envy, and everyone will be back to hating him again.