Reactions to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker making All-Star Game

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is finally an NBA All-Star.

The NBA announced Thursday that Booker had been selected to replace injured Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard in the All-Star Game and 3-point contest.

With Booker’s selection, the Suns have their first All-Star Game participant since Steve Nash in 2011-12.

Fans, former teammates and others around the sports world tweeted congratulations.

The Arizona Diamondbacks tweeted a video of manager Torey Lovullo and pitcher Archie Bradley congratulating Booker.

Congratulations @DevinBook on your 1st All-Star nod! @Suns | #AllAZ pic.twitter.com/Jhe9cCiPgk

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 13, 2020

John Calipari, who coached Booker at Kentucky, tweeted praises for the guard.

He’s driven. He’s determined. And his belief in his work and his ability set him apart. Biggest thing for me is his trust in the process. @DevinBook never wavers.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 13, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James welcomed him to the All-Star team that James is captaining.

Welcome @DevinBook!!! Well deserved G! #TeamLeBron👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 13, 2020

Suns analyst Eddie Johnson called the selection “well deserved.”

Congrats to @DevinBook , this is well deserved. Changed your game and became more efficient, Now an All-Star! Special thanks to @Dame_Lillard for the support! #leaderdeluxe. https://t.co/pTDqTD2hSh

— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) February 13, 2020

Former Suns teammates including Alan Williams and Jared Dudley tweeted congratulations.

First of many my brotha @DevinBook congrats!!!!

— BigSauce (@alantwilliams) February 13, 2020

Congrats to my boy @DevinBook on making the All Star game!! Good things come to good people! Well Deserved! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) February 13, 2020

Even before the selection was announced, some were clamoring for the guard to make his first All-Star game.

Lillard named Booker specifically as a worthy replacement.

Damian Lillard injured his groin in the final minutes of the Blazers loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Deciding to put his health first, Lillard confirmed in the postgame locker room that he will not participate in the All-Star Game or 3pt contest. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/PNOTtXoMbG

— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 13, 2020

Bradley tweeted at the league to “#DoTheRightThingNBA”

No Brainer‼️‼️‼️ @DevinBook @NBA #DoTheRightThingNBA https://t.co/5Hwh57xj0J

— Archie Bradley (@ArchieBradley7) February 13, 2020

Rex Chapman, a former Suns player who is very active on social media, tweeted Wednesday night that he did not think Booker should be blocked from the All-Star Game.

Devin Booker should replace Damian Lillard in the All-Star game. There – I said it.🏀

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) February 13, 2020

Of course, fans had reactions too. After creating a ruckus on social media when Booker wasn’t selected initially, fans posted gifs, memes and congratulatory tweets to the star.

It’s time. Devin Booker is an All-Star. pic.twitter.com/xYj2bUZ5aW

— Bryce Wheeler (@BWVisuaI) February 13, 2020

Please address my SG as All Star Devin Booker from now on pic.twitter.com/UsKWFlPiUm

— Baldmane (@DecaturDane) February 13, 2020

“Damian Lillard will not participate in the All-Star game”

Devin Booker: pic.twitter.com/tl3bj7aicB

— Rob (34-20) Rockets (@Hou5ton4L) February 13, 2020

Important @DevinBook pic.twitter.com/TGZbAtg1kB

— BK (@blakekimball) February 10, 2020

Devin Booker to the haters who said he wasn’t an All-Star pic.twitter.com/5OY4j8lXFT

— Andrew (@AndrewLeezus) February 13, 2020

Devin Booker better call Jay Triano to help prepare him for the 3 point contest. pic.twitter.com/apOBYzqNQa

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) February 13, 2020

Not everyone was pleased, though.

The San Antonio Zoological Society, frustrated Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan didn’t get the nod, has apparently named a cockroach after NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

No offense to @DevinBook, but since the @NBA Commissioner didn’t award @DeMar_DeRozan of the @spurs the @NBAAllStar slot there is now a roach named “Adam”. He can hang out with the one named “Kwahi.” #GoSpursGo #CryMeACockRoach #RoachCam   https://t.co/2GVtc7oHdb

— San Antonio Zoological Society 🦏 (@SanAntonioZoo) February 13, 2020

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