As he enters Year 10, Devin Booker is set to cement his name in Phoenix Suns history by breaking the franchise’s all-time scoring record.
Despite not turning 28 years old until October, Booker is already on his way to becoming one of, if not the greatest player in Suns history. Whilst his younger years were synonymous with losing, he has led the team to far more success recently, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021 and four consecutive playoff berths.
He has also helped mold a new winning culture for the team, helping to attract the league’s biggest talents to play alongside him. Often rumored with a trade away from Phoenix, Booker has instead brought the likes of Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal to the city.
Devin Booker Set to Break Phoenix Suns Record in 2024-25
Walter Davis is currently the Suns’ all-time leading scorer with 15,666 points. He reached this figure in 766 games. Booker is at 14,529 points but has remarkably played 168 games less at 598. To overtake six-time all-star Davis at number one, Booker must score 1,138. Last season, the guard averaged 27.1 points per game. If he were to begin the new season at the same pace, he could reach the total needed in just under 42 games.
That means it is a matter of when, not if, he will break the record, should he remain healthy. In February, Booker passed Alvan Adams (13,910) to move into second place. A 25-point game against the Sacramento Kings was enough, and eyes were already on the top spot following the achievement.
At the time, superstar teammate Durant commented:
“He’s a savant of the game. The work he puts in shows up on game nights every night.
“He inspires a whole generation of players. As he hits these milestones, it’s actually what I expect him to do at this point. He deserves to be the No.1 all-time leading scorer in Suns history with the work he’s put in. I can’t wait for that day.”
As fans look forward to the beginning of the NBA season in October, that day is creeping closer and closer.
Looking to Build on Olympic Success
Following an embarrassing four-game sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, the Suns are looking to bounce back this season under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. It feels like a make-or-break season for the franchise after the struggles of brand new big three Booker, Durant, and Beal. However, with a different voice at the helm and weaknesses filled in free agency, the Suns are set up for much more success this time.
A trip to the Paris Olympics with Team USA ended in style, as Booker and Durant won the gold medal. For Booker in particular, he showcased another side of his game that had perhaps gone unnoticed in recent years. Not known for his defensive prowess, Booker was the ‘role player’ amongst the team of superstars. That’s not to say Booker is not one himself, but his efforts made the game much easier for the likes of Lebron James and Steph Curry. Coach Steve Kerr named him the ‘unsung MVP’ of the team. Of course, it is not a role he will undertake with the Suns, but he has proved he has the defensive toughness the team so sorely lacked last season. It could prove to be a vital difference in a playoff setting.
Backcourt Help is on the Way
Booker took on a creative responsibility he had not previously had to shoulder, and the lack of a point guard on the Suns’ roster was a flaw that proved costly. Primarily a shooting guard, Booker covered the position well alongside Beal but their play also led to sloppiness and indecision on the ball. Despite the added pressure, he still provided 27.1 points per game with a career-best 6.9 assists. Whilst Booker was still providing elite numbers, he was part of a side that was 25th in turnovers, with 14.9 per game. The Suns front office addressed these issues in the off-season, signing free-agent guards Tyus Jones and Monte Morris.
The additions of Jones and Morris could change the entire outlook of the team’s season. Jones has led the league in the last six seasons in the assist-to-turnover ratio. Morris is not far behind, ranking second in four of those campaigns. With these ball handlers, the turnover numbers should reduce significantly. Furthermore, the lesser pressure on Booker could see his points average increase, as he has more of a focus on scoring rather than creating. This may set him up for breaking the Suns’ all-time scoring record even earlier in the season.
Highest AST/TOV ratio in a season (last 45 seasons):
7.35 — Tyus Jones
7.04 — Tyus Jones
6.96 — Tyus JonesSuns got a PG. pic.twitter.com/ZMPuL5Wv8I
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 27, 2024
