Given the stature Devin Booker currently holds in the NBA, one might naturally assume that during his lone collegiate season at Kentucky, he was already a standout star who carried immense confidence into the league.
Yet, that assumption is far from the truth. In reality, D-Book was so mediocre during those days that he wasn’t even a starter on the Wildcats, and unsurprisingly, his scoring average was merely into double-digits.
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Despite that humble beginning, he has now become one of the best scorers in today’s NBA, averaging 26.8 points over the last seven seasons and arguably he’s the best player from his draft class.
And D’Angelo Russell, who entered the NBA in the same draft class, wholeheartedly recognizes the strides Booker has made to reach such a level on the big stage.
Russell on what Booker changed after coming into the NBA
The 2015 NBA draft class produced several big names. Karl Anthony Towns was the first overall pick that year and has earned five All-Star nods and three All-NBA Third Team selections over his career so far. Russell, taken second overall, has had just one All-Star selection against his name. Kristaps Porzingis, the fourth overall pick, did earn a championship ring most recently, but also has just one All-Star nod.
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Meanwhile, Booker has established himself as the most prolific scorer from that draft class. To date, he has scored 16,452 career points, the highest total among all 2015 draftees and even earned an All-NBA First Team nod, which even KAT hasn’t done just yet.
Thus, for Russell to witness the strides Booker has made in his game and confidence while elevating the Phoenix Suns has left a lasting impression. Put simply. To watch Booker averaging 10.0 points per game for Kentucky to averaging a league-leading 33.7 points during the 2023 playoffs made Russell realize just how great Booker is.
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“We used to compete in pre-draft head-on, dude couldn’t dribble for real, and now he’s a pro. He’s one of the few guys I watched develop into who he is. Just watching him elevate his game every year,” Russell said. “Watching him develop all these things and his game and it’s just like ‘Now y’all comparing this guy to Kobe?’ It’s recognizing and appreciating it and also being motivated by it.”
Booker is an inspiration for the next generation
Not just the progress but even the consistency that D-Book has shown in the NBA serves as an inspiration for players everywhere. His selection to the 2024 Team USA roster, where he helped the country secure a gold medal, only solidified his status as a superstar capable of shining on the global stage while sharing the court alongside other great players.
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While most feel his prime years were recently wasted by the Suns organization, his journey underscores the idea that no player’s ceiling is predetermined.
Even those young players who might not garner much attention or acclaim in their collegiate days should never allow that to define them. Instead, with relentless hard work, determination and self-belief, it is indeed possible to forge a far more decorated path in the professional ranks.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.