Devin Booker confident in team chemistry: ‘We’ll be off to be a better start this year’

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker emphasized the importance of familiarity from last year’s squad when describing the team’s chemistry headed into the 2026-27 season on Monday.

“I feel like last year was everybody getting to know each other, learning through mistakes and learning on the fly. I think we brought a new life back to the city with the way we played … now coming back with familiar faces of guys that got extended and got contracts will be a step ahead than we were going into last season,” Booker told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke at Suns media day.

Phoenix looks to build off its 45-37 campaign from last season that saw the Suns reach the postseason before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

The Suns will see most of their squad from last season return to the team, with Phoenix re-signing several impending free agents this offseason, including Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin. Williams will be out several months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Booker said that having several players from last year’s squad and head coach Jordan Ott returning this season will be a helpful tool for the team to grow.

“I keep bringing it up, but having familiar faces come in on the first day, and we have reference points from last year, and we can talk about a stretch in the season last year, and everybody remember that and be on the same page with it versus literally just trying to learn and grow deep into the season. … We’ll be off to a better start this year,” Booker said.

Along with building team chemistry, the five-time All-Star said it’s an ongoing process for him to continue growing as a leader on the Suns and that the team being on the same page is a big part of it.

“There’s different forms of leadership, and to also give guys a voice and trust the guys in the locker room,” Booker said. “I’m not the only leader on the team, but building confidence in guys is a big part of it too.

“We already have a pretty confident team to start with, so unlocking that from all over the locker room from the coaching staff and making sure everyone is on the same page is a big part of what I do.”

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