We expected the Suns to be title contenders this season, right? With Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker leading the way, things should’ve gone a lot smoother. But here we are. Phoenix is sitting at 35-38, barely squeezing into the Play-In Tournament. So, what went wrong? Bad chemistry? Inconsistent play? A brutally tough Western Conference? Maybe. But could there be another reason behind this?
If you’ve been watching this season, you’ve probably noticed Booker passing the ball more than ever. He’s averaging a career-high 7.1 assists per game, ranking ninth in the league. That sounds great, but here’s the thing: his scoring has taken a hit. His scoring average fell from 27.1 to 25.5 points per game, and his shooting percentage dropped to 45.5%. The Suns’ offense just isn’t clicking the way it used to. So, what’s going on? According to Carmelo Anthony, Team USA might be the reason behind this shift.
“I think Book is suffering from the USA team,” Anthony said in a recent episode of 7PM in Brooklyn. “Not in a negative way… He’s been impacted by the culture of Team USA. Everybody is telling you, ‘Man, you got to just do something else… bring something else to the table, go do the dirty work.’” He explained that Booker embraced this mindset while playing for Team USA, excelling in off-ball movement and defense. But when he returned to Phoenix, that same mentality followed him.
Feb 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Anthony suggested that Booker’s experience with Team USA led him to change his approach for the Suns. “This season, I’m going to come back. ‘Yo, you know what? This worked on the USA team. I ain’t going to try to average 30 this year. I’m going to go try to average, like, 22 and get my assist up.’” While this shift in mentality might benefit a national team, it raises questions about whether it’s the right fit for Phoenix.
Moreover, Melo also pointed out how the Suns built their roster around Booker. They brought in Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal to complement him. So, is Carmelo right in his assumptions?
How did Devin Booker’s time on Team USA go?
Devin Booker has been a key part of Team USA’s success, playing a crucial role in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. In Tokyo, he helped secure gold with strong scoring and defense. Four years later, in Paris, he did it again. Only this time, his role looked a little different. Head coach Steve Kerr even called him the team’s “unsung MVP,” praising his ability to adapt and contribute in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet.
“He’s probably the guy who has been the most adaptable,” Kerr said. “The offense clicks when he’s out there, the defense is really good.” Booker averaged 11.7 points and 3.3 assists and shot an efficient 56.8% from the field. He wasn’t the primary scorer, but he played a vital role in Team USA’s success.
But has this adaptability changed how he plays for the Suns? His focus on playmaking has increased, and his assist numbers are at an all-time high. But it’s not without a cost. Even though the dip in his scoring is not that high, the impact his change of play has on the team is evident! Phoenix’s offense hasn’t looked the same. While his versatility is valuable, the Suns might need him to take on a more aggressive scoring role if they want to compete for a championship.
Booker’s new playmaking approach has made him a more complete player, but is that what Phoenix really needs? With Durant and Beal already on the floor, the Suns may be better off if Booker returns to being a ruthless scorer rather than a facilitator. As the Play-In approaches, can he flip the switch in time?
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