Chris Paul states that Devin Booker was one of his major reasons to join the Phoenix Suns. This came after he led them to their first NBA Finals this century.
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The Phoenix Suns became the first team in NBA history to reach an NBA Final after a 10-year playoffs drought. The addition of CP3 during the 2020-21 offseason has proved to be a blessing for the Phoenix franchise.
The addition of Paul gave Devin Booker all the ammunition he needed to take his game to the next level. There was no doubt that Booker was one of the most promising young talents in the NBA. However, the Suns were usually at the bottom of the standings despite having a prolific scorer in Booker.
The Suns had a promising young team, with the likes of Deandre Ayton and Cameron Johnson. Nevertheless, the Suns lacked a leader in the locker room.
Thus the hiring of coach Monty Williams followed by the acquiring of Chris Paul saw the beginning of a new era for the Phoenix Suns.
The team that has usually relied on Booker as the sole source of their offense now had Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Payne, who could definitely ball.
Cp3 and Devin Booker have been nothing but complementary to each other. The Suns have one of the best backcourts in the NBA currently.
The Suns shooting duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker
Before the arrival of Paul, Booker was seen as the only shining light in the Suns team. Though, 24-year old had some sensational performances and game-winning buzzer-beaters during his initial years.
The 2x NBA All-Star could never get past the regular season. The former 6th man of the year averaged 22.5 PPG on 44.8% shooting from the field until the 2020-21 NBA season.
The 2020 Orlando Bubble was the beginning of a new chapter in the Suns’ franchise. The undefeated 8-0 run in the bubble was the inception of something special.
The acquiring of CP3 saw Devin Booker elevate his game to a whole new level. Booker was earlier quoted saying the following about Paul’s effect on the Suns team:
“People have to understand, his effect isn’t just his points and his assists. It’s keeping people in line, leading every day. That alone should have him in the MVP conversation every single year.”
During the conference champions ceremony, Paul had nothing but admiration for the 24-year old Booker.
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“He’s like an old man. He’s the oldest 24-year-old I’ve ever met in my life. … The biggest thing, he know the game. … He watch every game, every night just like me.”
