Here’s the shocking truth: despite being the face of the Phoenix Suns for nearly a decade, Devin Booker’s individual accolades haven’t always matched his talent—until now. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it Booker’s star power or the Suns’ newfound depth that’s truly driving their success this season? Let’s dive in.
Booker has just secured his fifth All-Star nod, a testament to his consistency as he averages over 25 points per game for the eighth consecutive season. Yet, his journey hasn’t been without hurdles. The Suns’ inconsistent performance in past years often left him on the All-Star sidelines, even as he delivered statistically stronger seasons. As Booker himself humbly acknowledged during Sunday’s Clippers-Suns broadcast, “First, I got to thank the team. I’ve had some better years where I didn’t make the game. It all comes back to team success.”
And this is the part most people miss: the Suns’ current 30-20 record isn’t just about Booker. It’s about a rejuvenated roster that’s stepped up after trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets last July. Durant, a 16-time All-Star, earned nods in all three seasons with Phoenix, while Booker was snubbed in 2023 and 2025. Now, with Durant gone, the Suns have adapted—and thrived.
Phoenix’s depth is undeniable. Forward Dillon Brooks, acquired in the Durant trade, has been a revelation, averaging a career-high 21.1 points per game and even sparking All-Star conversations. “Dillon Brooks is an All-Star,” Collin Gillespie boldly declared after Brooks’ 40-point game against the Pistons. “I think we have two.” Yet, Brooks remains grounded, redirecting the spotlight to Booker: “Our real All-Star is (Booker). He’s been leading us the whole time and he deserves to be in that All-Star talk.”
Here’s the controversial question: Is Brooks’ emergence a sign that the Suns are less reliant on Booker, or does it simply highlight how Booker’s leadership elevates everyone around him? Consider this: in Booker’s recent five-game absence due to a right ankle sprain, Brooks averaged over 22 points, proving his value. But as Grayson Allen, the Suns’ second-longest tenured player, put it, “(Booker’s) been the engine to our team, offensively. The leader of our team and a huge part of our success.”
The Suns’ success this season isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about collective effort. Players like Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Jordan Goodwin have played pivotal roles, while first-year coach Jordan Ott has seamlessly guided the team. With six wins in their last nine games, the Suns are climbing the Western Conference standings, eyeing a top-six playoff seed.
One last thought to spark debate: If the Suns continue this momentum, will it be Booker’s All-Star caliber play or the team’s depth that gets them over the hump? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
