Devin Booker is probably the most polarizing shooting guard in the NBA. On some nights, he appears capable of single-handedly toppling kingdoms. On other nights, he looks like a one-man show desperately trying to keep the sinking ship in Phoenix afloat — not always actually benefiting the team.
Well, time’s running out to make excuses. Ricky Rubio is supposed to be the savior of the city, but his fit next to Donovan Mitchell was already less than ideal. I’m not exactly sure how a dominant ball handler that can’t shoot is supposed to help Booker, he was actually developing quite nicely as a primary playmaker.
Gained: Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric, Cam Johnson, Ty Jerome, Aron Baynes, Cheick Diallo, Frank Kaminsky, Jevon Carter
Lost: T.J. Warren, Jarrett Culver (No. 6 pick), Josh Jackson, Richaun Holmes, De’Anthony Melton, KZ Okpala (No. 32 pick), two future second-round picks
That is clearly a net negative trade that only hurts Booker’s supporting cast more than helps it. More fringe NBA talent is not going to be what it takes to pull Phoenix out of mediocrity.
For all of Devin Booker’s natural talent, all you’ll likely be seeing from him this season is another 26 points per game performance that amounts to nothing but yet another low lottery pick. It’s a shame he hasn’t been put in a position to prove he’s a winner, not a stat-sheet filling chucker.