Devin Booker is gearing up for first action with Summer Suns
Jul 8, 2015, 2:16 PM | Updated: 2:17 pm
It’s always advisable to make a good first impression.
Phoenix Suns rookie Devin Booker has handled himself flawlessly to this point through the entire sideshow that comes with being a first-round draft pick, but now it’s time for him to give a glance at the future on the court.
The 18-year-old gets his chance to play in something that somewhat resembles live NBA basketball Saturday at 3:00 p.m. when the Phoenix Suns face the Washington Wizards at the COX Pavilion in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Despite being so young, Booker’s ability to find a role offensively could be a little easier for him than most at his age because of his elite shooting range. Where he could have more trouble is on the defensive end.
“The thing with Devin, too, is the defense and the terminology, all those things he has to get used to on the pro level,” said summer league Suns coach Nate Bjorkgren. “His effort has been outstanding. As soon as he understands the spacing and the ball pressure he’s going to be great.”
In a slight surprise, Booker tested well athletically at the NBA Draft Combine. Summer League games are a chance to show how those tools will translate defensively with him being able to defend individually.
“Just coming in with a defensive mindset,” explained the Kentucky product. “Knowing that to get on the court, your man can’t score. If you’re playing one side of the court you won’t stay on the court long.”
On the other end, where there is somewhat of an expectation of success with Booker, this is a chance for him to show he is more than just a shooter.
“I know it’s more physical, I know the speed is faster, just get adjusted to it,” said Booker. “Just prove myself. I feel like this is the start of my NBA career, start it off on a good note. Playing against other teams will be different. I feel like I won’t be working on more, but I can still show more than people have seen.”
One specific aspect that Booker is going to get a chance to expand within his game is running more pick-and-roll.
“They have,” Booker answered when asked if he has been given more of those situations through two practices. “That’s what the NBA is turning into it seems, like a lot of pick-and-roll offense, four-out/one-in. We’re basically going over everything. I’m getting a lot of different looks than I did at Kentucky.”
After the first game on Saturday, the Suns’ schedule continues with a matchup versus the Rockets on Sunday before taking on the Jazz Tuesday.
