Devin Booker's All-Star Recognition: Is Team Depth the True MVP?
For almost a decade, Devin Booker has been the undisputed heart and soul of the Phoenix Suns. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, the league-wide accolades haven't always mirrored the team's fortunes, often hampered by inconsistent performance. This season, however, a revitalized roster and a strong 30-20 record have propelled the Suns into serious contention for a top-six seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. This resurgence has certainly kept Booker in the minds of NBA coaches, leading to his selection as a reserve for the upcoming All-Star Game in Inglewood, California.
This marks Booker's fifth NBA All-Star appearance, a testament to his enduring skill, as he's currently averaging over 25 points per game for an eighth consecutive season. As Booker himself shared during a recent broadcast, "First, I got to thank the team. I’ve had, statistically, some better years where I didn’t make the game. It all comes back to team success." This sentiment highlights a crucial shift in how individual success is being perceived within the Suns' organization.
Last season, Booker had the formidable presence of 16-time All-Star Kevin Durant by his side. However, an ultimately disappointing season led to significant roster adjustments. In a surprising move last July, Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets. Durant, who earned All-Star nods in all three of his seasons with Phoenix, saw Booker overlooked for the 2023 and 2025 All-Star selections, a point that might irk some fans.
Phoenix has consistently been represented by at least one All-Star for seven straight seasons, a streak that has included stars like Booker, Durant, and Chris Paul. The last time Booker was the sole representative for the Suns was during the 2019-20 season, a year when Phoenix finished with a modest 34-39 record and landed in 10th place in the Western Conference. This season, however, the Suns have nearly matched that win total before the All-Star break, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about both Booker's enduring impact and the team's successful adaptation after Durant's departure.
The trade that sent Durant to Houston also brought forward Dillon Brooks to Phoenix. Brooks has stepped up significantly, shouldering a considerable offensive burden, especially during periods when Booker and Jalen Green have been sidelined. While the Suns won't have any players on the Rising Stars roster this year, contributions from players like Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Jordan Goodwin have been instrumental in the team's current success.
But here's where it gets interesting... Dillon Brooks, currently averaging a career-high 21.1 points per game, has even generated some All-Star buzz himself this season. Teammates have openly championed his cause, with Gillespie enthusiastically declaring, "Dillon Brooks is an All-Star. I think we have two." Brooks, however, remains grounded, deflecting the praise and emphasizing Booker's leadership: "Our real All-Star is (Booker). He’s been leading us the whole time and he deserves to be in that All-Star talk."
It's worth noting that Booker has been sidelined for the last five games due to a right ankle sprain, and Jalen Green has only managed to play in five games this season due to persistent injuries. Despite these absences, Brooks has stepped up admirably, averaging over 22 points per game in his last 10 games without Booker. The 30-year-old has undeniably injected a new energy and competitive spirit into the Suns' culture, leading by example for the team's emerging talent.
Brooks shared his philosophy on leadership: "The first thing you do as a leader is show yourself and what you can do so they can follow. We always got guys in the gym shooting, practicing, staying ready. And that’s what brings that fire and competitive spirit in the games."
However, the Suns are acutely aware that their ultimate success hinges on having their All-Star guard healthy and on the court. Grayson Allen, one of the longest-tenured players on the team since 2023, understands Booker's irreplaceable role: "He’s been the engine to our team, offensively. The leader of our team and a huge part of our success. And it’s apparent on a night like tonight where we come up short." Gillespie echoed this sentiment, stating, "(Booker’s) the leader of our team. When he’s out there, we’re a better basketball team because of him. Can do everything on the floor. Leader for us. Has so much gravity. Makes everybody else around him better."
With just five games remaining before the All-Star break, first-year coach Jordan Ott appears satisfied with how his five-time All-Star has guided the team. "There’s not enough good things to say when you have a superstar that does all the things no one sees and does all the stuff on the court," Ott commented before a recent game.
The Suns have been on a strong run, winning six of their last nine outings, and are looking to continue their ascent in the Western Conference standings with an upcoming game in Portland. This season's narrative for the Suns is a compelling one, showcasing how a blend of star power and resilient depth can lead to unexpected success.
Now, over to you: Do you believe Devin Booker's All-Star selection this year is more a reflection of his individual talent or the Suns' improved team performance? And with players like Dillon Brooks stepping up, do you think the Suns have found a more balanced offensive attack that can sustain success even without Booker on the floor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
