![]() Mikal Bridges agreed to $90 million extension – Oct. Why: Booker missed a good chunk of camp that may have hurt continuity but could have been a blessing in disguise considering his heavy workload in the Finals and Olympics.ġ3. Booker returned to Suns after COVID-19 stint – Oct. Why: Ball-handlers are important, and so is depth.ġ2. Why: By the end of his Olympic run, Booker had developed a glue-guy-like role for Team USA that expressed his willingness to do things other than score.ġ1. Why: Perhaps Kaminsky is underappreciated, but Williams’ offense thrives with a ball-moving center among a versatile group of big men.ġ0. Why: Phoenix wanted to double-down by having a defensive anchor even with Ayton off the court. JaVale McGee, Suns agreed to terms on 1-year deal – Aug. Why: Beyond Booker and Paul, Payne’s role as a primary ball-handler and creator couldn’t be mentioned enough during last year’s playoff run as Paul battled injuries and a COVID-19 absence.Ĩ. Cam Payne agreed to re-sign with Suns on 3-year contract – Aug. Why: Paul opted out of one year and signed on for four, giving the Suns some outs but keeps the point guard on the team should his health hold up.ħ. Paul returned on new contract, and it was about more than 1 window of contention – Aug. Why: This was a sign Phoenix was doing as the Los Angeles Rams did by saying “(Vulgar word) them picks,” trading draft selections for ready-to-go players.Ħ. Suns dealt for Landry Shamet over drafting late in 1st round – July 30 Why: Booker’s willingness to put his likely burned-out body on a flight to Tokyo after the Finals showed his commitment to hoop.ĥ. Booker made his Olympic debut in same week as Suns’ NBA Finals exit – July 25 ![]() Why: We don’t know how much input the vice president of basketball operations had in his two years on the job because he was largely behind the scenes, but his departure made it clear that general manager James Jones, who joined the organization in 2017, had a firm grasp leading Phoenix - in case the Finals run didn’t say that.Ĥ. The Phoenix Suns and Jeff Bower parted ways – July 24 Why: The man that head coach Monty Williams credited so much for implementing the team’s defense - and the good friend who Chris Paul said helped him in the playoffs by urging the vet point guard to push the pace - left a void on the bench.ģ. Suns’ Willie Green hired as new head coach of New Orleans Pelicans – July 22 Why: Untucking his jersey after the Milwaukee Bucks sealed their NBA title, Booker was caught by ESPN’s cameras expressing disappointment in the most confident way possible, and it foreshadowed how the Suns would attack the regular season to follow.Ģ. This is just part of the making of Devin Booker’s legacy. ![]() So to review how the Suns got to this point, here is one sentence on 64 moments spanning the clock ticking to 0:00 in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals until the regular-season finale on Sunday.ĭevin Booker as he watches the Bucks celebrate their NBA championship: “Damn.” ![]()
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