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via Imago<\/p>\n
Dec 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and forward Kevin Durant (35) react after a timeout in the second half during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
That means more scoring and playmaking weight falls directly on Booker\u2019s shoulders, and it was already a heavy load. Bourguet put it bluntly<\/a>, no filters whatsoever: \u201cHe needs to be the one that\u2019s initiating a lot of the offense because he\u2019s much better at it than Jalen Green is.\u201d The Suns are betting Booker can be both the table-setter and the closer, night after night. But of course, there\u2019s a plan for some relief.<\/p>\n Colin Gillespie could shift Booker off-ball in spurts when he checks in, and there\u2019s hope the frontcourt can add some playmaking juice. Bourguet points to Oso Ighodaro as a hub from the elbows, a quick decision-maker, and a strong pick-and-roll partner. If that works, it could take a fraction of the creative burden off Booker. Still, the Phoenix Suns<\/a>\u2018 frontcourt isn\u2019t exactly built to stretch the floor.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Booker\u2019s burden grows, but so does his legacy<\/p>\n With Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach, and Nick Richards in the mix, spacing could be an issue unless Maluach proves he can consistently hit threes. That might push Phoenix into experimenting with Oso at the four alongside a stretchier big, a move they toyed with in Summer League. And well, this isn\u2019t the first time someone has asked Booker to do the impossible.<\/p>\n via Imago<\/p>\n Nov 4, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Since signing his five-year, $158 million extension in 2018, and later his two-year, $145 million deal that keeps him in Phoenix until 2030, he\u2019s been the franchise\u2019s constant. His career-wide averages with the Suns are nothing short of extraordinary. With 24.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in his career, Booker\u2019s been the Suns\u2019 all-time leader in points and three-pointers, a four-time NBA All-Star, and the face of an organization that\u2019s come painfully close to a title. What makes this season different is the blend of caution and opportunity.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n On one hand, the Suns are stripping away some of the high-end talent that allowed Booker to thrive in a balanced role. On the other hand, they\u2019re giving him the steering wheel. That, too, for an offense that could be far more dynamic if Green develops quickly and the Garland-Mitchell blueprint clicks. The upside? If Booker<\/a> can carry this group deep into the playoffs, his case as one of the game\u2019s premier guards strengthens even further. The risk?<\/p>\n![\"article-image\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/USATSI_24678592.jpg\")
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