Devin Booker

[RaisingArizona]

Love the excitement around Booker. I'm not as sure as you guys, especially because I think a good majority of you guys went on about Archie, which I always thought was ridiculous.

But here's what I'll say about Booker: if he adds 10 pounds muscle and increases his 3pt %, he'll be a very solid NBA player in this new NBA we're witnessing.

My money, he doesn't. But I'd love to be surprised. I don't think he's athletic enough, he doesn't handle the ball well enough nor does he control the offense well enough. I think booker is a korver type guy. He'll be better than korver if he keeps working but that's his type. He's def not a franchise guy.

But hey, who knows. Maybe he takes some strides forward and grows from all of this playing time. But, I will say, I really doubt it. He's a terrific draft pick, a good NBA player at this trajectory, and a wonderful supporting teammate.

You forgot the green font.

[Qwigglez]

I know from an outsiders perspective coming into this thread it appears everyone is drinking that purple kool-aid. But Booker really gives us something to be excited about and it's not only Suns fans that see this. He's the youngest player in the league and he scored 34 points on D-Wade, he scored 24 on the Spurs and I remember one corner three was straight in Kawhi Leonard's face hand up and everything. He's averaging 16/3/3 as a starter.

Booker is showing the full arsenal of moves on offense. He handles the ball well enough to be able to isolate his opponent. He drives to the paint, has a pull-up jumper, a floater, even seen a couple post moves. Off the ball, he moves really well too.

Where Booker needs improvement is on defense, adding a bit of a muscle, and maybe some explosion in his leaping ability. His ball-handling could definitely see some improvement as well. I'm really not sure what to expect from him coming into next season because his in-season progress has developed so quickly. All I can say is it'll be a real treat to watch this kid's development and he's the most exciting rookie we've had since Amare Stoudemire.

[Saberestar]

I am really excited about Booker and I think he is gonna be an All Star someday, but we are putting so much pressure on his shoulders (like a fan base) if people expect him to be the next Allen or Miller after a good rookie season. High expectations are a lot of times a bad thing with young guys.

Those players are HOF, it would be amazing if Booker improves every year and he becomes that type of player...but that is not for granted and it's a really difficult thing to happen.

Next step is becoming a good and solid starter in this league on a SERIOUS team for an entire season. That and being a better two-way player would be fantastic and a realistic improvement for next season.

I have seen a ton of players that looked really good and possible perennial All Stars after his rookie season (Tyreke Evans for example) that they did not improve enough to be that great on their prime.

Basketball is not a science so that improvement that we expect is not a sure thing....I want to see another full season from Booker playing on an even higher level before comparing him to players like Ray Allen or Reggie Miller.

[MathiasPW]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

[JMac1]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

Again, in the NBA you have to earn the right to play defense it seems. Booker plays olay defense I believe because of the refs. How is Harden's defense and is he considered a superstar?

[Mulhollanddrive]

Eric Gordon at 22 years old put up 22 points / 4 assists on 112 O-Rating.

That's the level I'd be looking for in the next few years, then anything past that is a multiple All-Star.

[RaisingArizona]

I see a lot of Reggie Miller in Booker. At 19, that's unheard of. I know some of you like being the ultimate pessimist, but if this guy doesn't get you excited about the future, what will?

[jcsunsfan]

I am really excited about Booker and I think he is gonna be an All Star someday, but we are putting so much pressure on his shoulders (like a fan base) if people expect him to be the next Allen or Miller after a good rookie season. High expectations are a lot of times a bad thing with young guys.

Those players are HOF, it would be amazing if Booker improves every year and he becomes that type of player...but that is not for granted and it's a really difficult thing to happen.

Next step is becoming a good and solid starter in this league on a SERIOUS team for an entire season. That and being a better two-way player would be fantastic and a realistic improvement for next season.

I have seen a ton of players that looked really good and possible perennial All Stars after his rookie season (Tyreke Evans for example) that they did not improve enough to be that great on their prime.

Basketball is not a science so that improvement that we expect is not a sure thing....I want to see another full season from Booker playing on an even higher level before comparing him to players like Ray Allen or Reggie Miller.

I disagree about the expectations part of it. Booker was the 13th pick. Expectations would be high if he was a top 3 pick. You just have unbridled optimism at our fantastic fortune at getting this kid. Enjoying a perceived windfall is vastly different than high expecations.

[thamadkant]

I am really excited about Booker and I think he is gonna be an All Star someday, but we are putting so much pressure on his shoulders (like a fan base) if people expect him to be the next Allen or Miller after a good rookie season. High expectations are a lot of times a bad thing with young guys.

Those players are HOF, it would be amazing if Booker improves every year and he becomes that type of player...but that is not for granted and it's a really difficult thing to happen.

Next step is becoming a good and solid starter in this league on a SERIOUS team for an entire season. That and being a better two-way player would be fantastic and a realistic improvement for next season.

I have seen a ton of players that looked really good and possible perennial All Stars after his rookie season (Tyreke Evans for example) that they did not improve enough to be that great on their prime.

Basketball is not a science so that improvement that we expect is not a sure thing....I want to see another full season from Booker playing on an even higher level before comparing him to players like Ray Allen or Reggie Miller.

I disagree about the expectations part of it. Booker was the 10th pick. Expectations would be high if he was a top 3 pick. You just have unbridled optimism at our fantastic fortune at getting this kid. Enjoying a perceived windfall is vastly different than high expecations.

He got picked 13th.

[AtheJ415]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

I agree his defense will impact how good he'll end up being. But I don't see Crawford in him much at all. Crawford's one of the best handles in the league and a monster one on one scorer, but doesn't do much else. I see Booker as someone with good handles, but who plays within the offense a lot more and has some playmaking skills setting up others (more Hardenesque actually, just without the iso-heavy ball Houston has morphed its offense into).

I don't know that there is a good comparison for Booker actually. He's a heady shooter with the size and handles to take it to the hoop or score in mid-range. He can post up. He has decent playmaking and passing skills too. Very quick for his size as well.

[WV-Sun]

Not bad for a lottery pick. Wonder how many GMs are kicking themselves for passing on Booker

[saintEscaton]

Not bad for a lottery pick. Wonder how many GMs are kicking themselves for passing on Booker

MJ sheds a tear

[jcsunsfan]

I am really excited about Booker and I think he is gonna be an All Star someday, but we are putting so much pressure on his shoulders (like a fan base) if people expect him to be the next Allen or Miller after a good rookie season. High expectations are a lot of times a bad thing with young guys.

Those players are HOF, it would be amazing if Booker improves every year and he becomes that type of player...but that is not for granted and it's a really difficult thing to happen.

Next step is becoming a good and solid starter in this league on a SERIOUS team for an entire season. That and being a better two-way player would be fantastic and a realistic improvement for next season.

I have seen a ton of players that looked really good and possible perennial All Stars after his rookie season (Tyreke Evans for example) that they did not improve enough to be that great on their prime.

Basketball is not a science so that improvement that we expect is not a sure thing....I want to see another full season from Booker playing on an even higher level before comparing him to players like Ray Allen or Reggie Miller.

I disagree about the expectations part of it. Booker was the 10th pick. Expectations would be high if he was a top 3 pick. You just have unbridled optimism at our fantastic fortune at getting this kid. Enjoying a perceived windfall is vastly different than high expecations.

He got picked 13th.

fixed it.

[jcsunsfan]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

I agree his defense will impact how good he'll end up being. But I don't see Crawford in him much at all. Crawford's one of the best handles in the league and a monster one on one scorer, but doesn't do much else. I see Booker as someone with good handles, but who plays within the offense a lot more and has some playmaking skills setting up others (more Hardenesque actually, just without the iso-heavy ball Houston has morphed its offense into).

I don't know that there is a good comparison for Booker actually. He's a heady shooter with the size and handles to take it to the hoop or score in mid-range. He can post up. He has decent playmaking and passing skills too. Very quick for his size as well.

That is also something that is nice about Booker. His size is excellent for the position he plays. It seems that the Suns have always had 6-2 shooting guards, 6-7 pf's and 6-9 centers.

[saintEscaton]

Booker has the ideal stature to get his shot off against anyone, and a decent standing reach to contest. But his combine wingspan is only 2 inches taller than his height (they were the same for his freshman measurement before he had a growth spurt). I think he can overcome his lack of length to become less of a liability as a perimeter defender. He just needs to hold up on the other end and get more than he gives, doesn't have to turn into anything special there. He is laterally agile enough to to stay in front of his man ,but too easily allows dribble penetration. Hopefully that baby fat can get converted to lean muscle

[jcsunsfan]

Booker has the ideal stature to get his shot off against anyone, and a decent standing reach to contest. But his combine wingspan is only 2 inches taller than his height (they were the same for his freshman measurement before he had a growth spurt). I think he can overcome his lack of length to become less of a liability as a perimeter defender. He just needs to hold up on the other end and get more than he gives, doesn't have to turn into anything special there. He is laterally agile enough to to stay in front of his man ,but too easily allows dribble penetration. Hopefully that baby fat can get converted to lean muscle

That's actually a longer wingspan than normal. which is usually the same as height. I would not consider him to have a lack of length at all.

[saintEscaton]

Booker has the ideal stature to get his shot off against anyone, and a decent standing reach to contest. But his combine wingspan is only 2 inches taller than his height (they were the same for his freshman measurement before he had a growth spurt). I think he can overcome his lack of length to become less of a liability as a perimeter defender. He just needs to hold up on the other end and get more than he gives, doesn't have to turn into anything special there. He is laterally agile enough to to stay in front of his man ,but too easily allows dribble penetration. Hopefully that baby fat can get converted to lean muscle

That's actually a longer wingspan than normal. which is usually the same as height. I would not consider him to have a lack of length at all.

Its 2 inches more for average males, but 4 inches more for average NBA players. He's not gunna be a stopper by any means, but JJ Redick did just fine as a slightly undersized 6'4 SG with an even SHORTER wingspan! So not a big issue, still want a long two way freak at the 3 tho

[thamadkant]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

I agree his defense will impact how good he'll end up being. But I don't see Crawford in him much at all. Crawford's one of the best handles in the league and a monster one on one scorer, but doesn't do much else. I see Booker as someone with good handles, but who plays within the offense a lot more and has some playmaking skills setting up others (more Hardenesque actually, just without the iso-heavy ball Houston has morphed its offense into).

I don't know that there is a good comparison for Booker actually. He's a heady shooter with the size and handles to take it to the hoop or score in mid-range. He can post up. He has decent playmaking and passing skills too. Very quick for his size as well.

Looks like the Suns are developing Booker to be able to play on ball.

On the general boards.. Comparison to hybrid Harden was brought up... And I had that thinking after his 27/9 game. Harden is more talented and more dynamically capable....but their ability to shoot and play finesse wise.. Both arent explosive dunkers or above the ring types... I see the similarities... if Booker absolutely lives up to his potential anyways.

[jcsunsfan]

His ball handling is way above what was expected. He is playing PG at times , and doing just fine.

His defense is what will define if he is a superstar or "just" a Jamal Crawford type of player

I agree his defense will impact how good he'll end up being. But I don't see Crawford in him much at all. Crawford's one of the best handles in the league and a monster one on one scorer, but doesn't do much else. I see Booker as someone with good handles, but who plays within the offense a lot more and has some playmaking skills setting up others (more Hardenesque actually, just without the iso-heavy ball Houston has morphed its offense into).

I don't know that there is a good comparison for Booker actually. He's a heady shooter with the size and handles to take it to the hoop or score in mid-range. He can post up. He has decent playmaking and passing skills too. Very quick for his size as well.

Looks like the Suns are developing Booker to be able to play on ball.

On the general boards.. Comparison to hybrid Harden was brought up... And I had that thinking after his 27/9 game. Harden is more talented and more dynamically capable....but their ability to shoot and play finesse wise.. Both arent explosive dunkers or above the ring types... I see the similarities... if Booker absolutely lives up to his potential anyways.

He has excellent foot speed. His handle is good but could be improved. His court vision is very good. His distributing skills are very good. He certainly could play pg on offense. I wonder if he could defend pgs.

[Bogyo]

I described some of his drives Hardenesque a week or so ago.
Glad someone else noticed this as well, not a bad comp.
As for the handles: 11 assists 0 turnovers against GSW.
Eyepopping - and the sky is the limit!!!