MOST POPULAR

In second season, Devin Booker steps into leadership role for young Suns

Jul 7, 2016, 4:25 PM | Updated: 8:40 pm

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker, right, drives the ball against Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green du...

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker, right, drives the ball against Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

PHOENIX — The journey of Devin Booker’s second season is set to begin as the Phoenix Suns prepare to head to the Las Vegas Summer League.

Expectations are high for the Kentucky product, who finished fourth in last year’s NBA Rookie of the Year voting.

Booker plans to play in at least the Suns’ summer opener on Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Trail Blazers at COX Pavilion, but his status after that is up in the air considering he will follow Summer League with a role on the U.S. Select Team.

“I’ll play him a lot if I know I have him for the first game. I’ll play him a ton,” said Phoenix summer league head coach Nate Bjorkgren. “You’ll see him play the two-spot, he might play a little point. We just need him to be a leader on both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively.”

With Booker having a respected reputation across the league after his first season, he understands this is no time for him to let up.

“I’ve said it before: I don’t want it to be a fluke season,” Booker said after practice on Wednesday. “I know people think I can play now a little bit. There’s gonna be a little bit more attention on me. I’m just getting ready for that.”

Booker being considered a “veteran” despite being short of 20 years old is a new role to take on. He’s the one setting the example for rookies Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis.

“He’s got that in him, he’s a leader,” said Bjorkgren. “He’s confident, but he’s taking much more of a leadership role. He’s closing out our huddles, he’s talking in our film sessions, he’s doing a nice job.”

Beyond his extending leadership capabilities, Booker has made it a point this offseason to improve his conditioning. The pre-training camp muscle watch is on.

“I got the experience, the experience of chasing J.J. Redick off screens and things like that,” said Booker. “You think you’re in shape until you get in the game. There are two different types of shape. There’s a treadmill in shape and there’s basketball in shape. Basketball shape includes eating right and everything like that, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”

The toughest food for Booker to cut out? Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Most Popular

Sean O’Malley throws a kick against Aljamain Sterling during their Bantamweight title fight at UF...

Associated Press

Phoenix fighter Sean O’Malley upsets Aljamain Sterling for UFC bantamweight title

In his first bid for the UFC bantamweight title, Sean O’Malley stopped defending champion Aljamain Sterling in the second round of the main event at UFC 292.

7 months ago

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States lifts the trophy as United States players celebrate winn...

Associated Press

US beats Canada to win CONCACAF Nations League title

The United States beat Canada 2-0 on Sunday night for the Americans' second straight CONCACAF Nations League title.

9 months ago

Associated Press

Arcangelo wins Belmont Stakes to make Jena Antonucci 1st female trainer to win the race

Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making Jena Antonucci the first female trainer to win the race in its 155 years.

10 months ago

Associated Press

Kentucky Derby runs into more obstacles ahead of big race

The cast for the 149th Kentucky Derby was rewritten again hours before the race Saturday when early favorite Forte was scratched.

11 months ago

Jesus Ferreira #9 of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal in front of the American Out...

Associated Press

Ferreira goal gives USA exhibition tie against Mexico at State Farm Stadium

The United States tied against Mexico 1-1 on Wednesday night in an exhibition at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

11 months ago

Associated Press

Aryna Sabalenka wins 1st Grand Slam title at Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title by coming back to beat Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open women’s final.

1 year ago

In second season, Devin Booker steps into leadership role for young Suns