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My Favorite Player: Devin Booker

Full Name Devin Armani Booker
Birthday October 30, 1996 (age 26)
Birthplace Grand Rapids, Michigan
Parents Melvin Booker (Father)
Height 6‘5" (1.96 m)
NBA Draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th
Career Highlights 3x NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2021, 2022)
Twitter @DevinBook – 2.6M Followers
Instagram @dbook – 3.9M Followers

Devin Booker is not just one of the best scorers in the NBA today – he‘s emerging as a complete superstar right before our eyes. Ever since I started following his journey from teenage phenom to franchise cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns, I‘ve been amazed at his rapid growth and incredible skill. As a devoted fan, I‘d like to share why Devin Booker is such a special talent.

From Humble Beginnings to NBA Stardom

Booker was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1996 while his father Melvin was playing for the Grand Rapids Hoops of the CBA. Moving frequently as a coach‘s kid, Booker spent time living in Mississippi, where he blossomed into a high school basketball star. His tight-knit family kept him grounded, as he credits his parents and siblings for supporting his NBA dreams.

Despite interest from many top colleges, Booker chose to play at Kentucky because of their track record of developing players. While Booker only spent one year at Kentucky before going pro, it was a valuable experience that prepared him for the NBA.

In 2015, Booker was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns. He put the league on notice by winning the NBA 3-Point Contest at All-Star weekend as a 19-year old rookie – the youngest ever to compete. Now entering his 8th pro season, his best basketball is still ahead of him at just 26 years old.

Jaw-Dropping Scoring Ability

What immediately jumps out when you watch Devin Booker is his advanced scoring arsenal. He can do it all – lethal from 3-point range, crafty mid-range jumper off the dribble, acrobatic finishes at the rim, and money from the foul line.

In March 2017, Booker etched his name in the NBA record books by dropping 70 points against the Celtics – becoming the youngest in league history with a 70-point game. His smooth stroke and deep range are reminiscent of the great Klay Thompson.

Booker has a flair for the dramatic and lives for big moments. Like all great scorers, he wants the ball in clutch situations and has the rare ability to slow the game down when it matters most.

Developing Playmaking and Leadership

Early in his career, Devin Booker was known primarily as a pure scorer. But as he has gained experience, Booker has developed into an underrated playmaker and willing passer.

Adding veteran Chris Paul as his backcourt partner accelerated Booker‘s growth as an all-around threat. He more than doubled his assists average working alongside CP3 and embraces getting teammates involved. Booker has also evolved into a respected team leader who leads by example.

His improvements as a playmaker were on full display during the Suns‘ magical run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Booker averaged 27 PPG and 5 APG in the postseason while guiding Phoenix to the Finals for the first time since 1993.

The Future is Bright

It‘s crazy to think Devin Booker is still only 25 years old and just entering his prime NBA years. He has consistently added something new to his game each offseason. I cannot wait to witness what Booker does next as he cements his legacy as an all-time great Phoenix Sun.

With his relentless work ethic and drive to be the best, the sky is truly the limit. In my eyes, Booker has future MVP written all over him. His confidence and poise under pressure are rare qualities that all iconic sports heroes possess.

Devin Booker has already accomplished so much in just a few short years in the NBA. I feel lucky to have been able to follow his entire professional journey and watch him blossom into a superstar. It‘s going to be incredibly special to see him lead my Phoenix Suns to a championship someday soon.