Mike Budenholzer on Devin Booker’s game winner over Milwaukee Bucks
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer complimented his team on their execution of the play that led to Devin Booker’s game-winning shot over the Bucks.
D’Angelo Russell remembers going up against Devin Booker during the pre-draft process and noticing his handles, or lack thereof.
What Booker has progressed into as a player and accomplished since they were part of the 2015 draft class resonates with Russell even more now.
“He’s one of the few guys I watched develop into who he is as a person and as a player,” Russell said on “The Backyard Podcast” episode that posted last week on YouTube. “Obviously was groomed, but watching him elevate his game every year. (Karl-Anthony Towns) too, but like really being front row with Book, watching him, we used to compete in pre-draft, head on. Dude couldn’t dribble, for real, and now, he’s a pro.”
Towns and Russell were the first two overall picks in the 2015 draft while Booker was taken 13th overall by the Suns. Booker has become a four-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, played in the 2021 NBA Finals and is the Suns’ all-time leading scorer.
“Watching him develop that,” Russell continued. “Watching him develop all these things in this game. Just like, now y’all comparing this guy to Kobe (Bryant)? Like what, you know what I mean? It’s recognizing it, appreciating it and also being motivated by it.”
Booker earned the nickname “Young Kobe” for his scoring ability and mentality. Entering his 11th season, all with Phoenix, Booker has averaged at least 25 points in each of his last seven seasons.
Russell is entering his first season with the Dallas Mavericks as he’s played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Suns open the 2025-26 season Oct. 22 against the Sacramento Kings at PHX Arena.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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