The 2024 Paris Olympics were a triumph for Team USA, securing another gold medal. While many stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant dominated the headlines, some unsung heroes contributed just as significantly to the team’s success. One such player was Devin Booker, whose efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammate, Anthony Edwards. Edwards publicly hailed Booker as “impressive” highlighting his impact both on and off the court. He indicated that Booker impressed him the most playing a lesser role than he’s used to in the NBA. Could Edwards’ comments about Booker point to a future partnership?
Could Anthony Edwards’ Comments Point to a Future Partnership?
Let’s play devil’s advocate here for a bit. During the gold medal celebrations, Booker is seen holding a camcorder (apparently, he’s a connoisseur of sorts, having a camcorder in 2024) recording Edwards as he proudly holds up his medal. It’s an innocuous interaction that should be devoid of any scrutiny or attention. His comments drew attention, though.
“Me and Book running the show in LA,” Ant said.
Booker is seen holding the camcorder and nodding his head enthusiastically. This could be Ant and Book signaling their intentions to be part of Team USA at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He has already stated that he won’t be in the next tournament. Still, as stated earlier, let’s play devil’s advocate and make a mountain out of a molehill. What if they team up before the Olympics on a team in the NBA? There has been much speculation about KD and Ant potentially teaming up. Maybe we are focusing on the wrong Suns star?
A Glimpse of Their Olympic Chemistry
During the Olympics, Booker and Edwards showcased a complementary style of play that could translate seamlessly to a partnership in the NBA. Booker, known for his scoring ability and basketball IQ, played a crucial role in spreading the floor, making timely shots, and facilitating offense when needed. His willingness to take on different roles for the betterment of the team exemplified his maturity and team-first mentality. Edwards, on the other hand, brought explosive athleticism, energy, and defensive intensity primarily off the bench. His ability to attack the rim, coupled with his growing prowess as a perimeter shooter, made him a constant threat on the court.
Their chemistry was evident in how they played off each other. Booker’s ability to create space with his shooting allowed Edwards more freedom to slash to the basket. Meanwhile, Edwards’ defensive prowess helped take the pressure off Booker, allowing him to focus more on his offensive responsibilities. This dynamic could be even more potent in an NBA setting, where both players would have more time to develop and refine their partnership.
Why a Booker-Edwards Duo Would Work
In the NBA, successful teams often rely on having multiple stars who can take over games when needed. A partnership between Booker and Edwards would provide a team with a versatile, high-scoring backcourt that could dominate on both ends of the floor. Booker, now an established All-Star, has proven his ability to perform at the highest levels, particularly during the Phoenix Suns’ deep playoff runs. His experience in clutch situations and his ability to create his own shot make him a valuable asset to any contending team.
Edwards, though younger, has rapidly developed into one of the league’s most exciting young talents. His physicality, athleticism, and competitive drive set him apart as a player who can become a franchise cornerstone. Pairing him with a seasoned player like Booker could accelerate his development while also providing Booker with a dynamic partner who can share the offensive load.
Complementary Skill Sets
Booker and Edwards possess skill sets that would complement each other well. Booker’s elite shooting and ability to operate in the mid-range would open up the floor for Edwards to attack the basket. Conversely, Edwards’ ability to draw defenders with his drives would create more open looks for Booker from beyond the arc. Defensively, Edwards’ athleticism would allow him to guard the opposition’s best perimeter players, reducing the defensive burden on Booker.
Their versatility also allows for flexibility in lineups. Both players are capable of playing multiple positions, which would give a coach the ability to mix and match lineups depending on the situation. In today’s NBA, where positionless basketball is becoming the norm, having two players who can adapt to different roles would be invaluable.
Precedent for Olympic Partnerships
For a team aiming to win a championship, teaming up Booker and Edwards could be a transformative move, similar to how previous NBA partnerships were built on Olympic bonds. The most notable example is the formation of the Miami Heat’s “Big Three.” After playing together on Team USA during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh built a friendship that led to their decision to team up in Miami, resulting in two NBA championships. Their Olympic experience helped them understand each other’s strengths, which they later leveraged to dominate the NBA.
Similarly, Durant’s Olympic bond with Draymond Green in 2016 helped the two develop on-court chemistry after Durant had joined the Golden State Warriors that same summer. Their on-court chemistry and mutual respect, developed during the Rio Olympics, contributed to the Warriors’ back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
A Booker-Edwards duo could have a similar impact. Their complementary skills would allow them to excel together, just as LeBron and Wade did in Miami, or as Durant and Green did in Golden State. Their Olympic bond, like those past examples, could form the foundation for a partnership that elevates their team into championship contention. A team built around Booker and Edwards would have the firepower and defensive versatility to compete with the NBA’s elite, making them a serious threat in the postseason.
If history is any indication, the bond formed at the Olympics could very well be the beginning of a special partnership in the NBA, with Booker and Edwards leading the charge.
The Last Word
While it’s wildly speculative, the idea of Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards teaming up in the NBA is an exciting prospect. Their time together at the 2024 Olympics has already shown what they are capable of as a duo. If they were to join forces on an NBA team, their complementary skill sets, competitive drive, and versatility could create a dynamic partnership that would make any team a title contender. As both players continue to evolve, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them explore the possibility of teaming up in the future, much like other NBA stars have done after forming bonds in international play.
