Despite their formidable path to the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns snuck into the league’s restart plans with a 26-39 record. Since entering the Orlando Bubble, the Suns have quickly blossomed into one of the best stories in the NBA Bubble.
Behind Devin Booker, the Suns have registered a 4-0 record with wins against the playoff-bound Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks. Against the Clippers, Booker drilled an improbable turnaround jumper at the buzzer to seal the Suns’ victory, 117-115.
Via @NBATV on Twitter:
Devin Booker (35 PTS & 6 3PM) powered the @suns to the win with his incredible game-winner! ☀️ pic.twitter.com/pHTN1YgyKU
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 5, 2020
Despite the Suns’ steady play, Draymond Green called for Booker to leave the organization that drafted him. In an appearance on the NBA on TNT, the Golden State Warriors forward said Phoenix isn’t good for the 23-year-old All-Star’s career.
It’s great to see Book playing well and Phoenix playing well, but get my man out of Phoenix. It’s not good for him, it’s not good for his career. Sorry, Chuck — They got to get Book out of Phoenix. I need my man to go somewhere he can play great basketball all the time and win because he’s that type of player.
Following the former Defensive Player of the Year calling for Booker’s exit, Ernie Johnson asked if he was tampering. Green laughed and responded with “maybe.”
Watch the NBA on TNT clip Via @Rachel__Nichols on Twitter:
Draymond Green talking Devin Booker on @NBAonTNT: "Get my man out of Phoenix. It's not good for him, it's not good for his career. I need my man to go somewhere he can play great basketball all the time, and win."
Ernie Johnson: "Are you tampering?'
Draymond: "Maybe" pic.twitter.com/vTUn4pK3iq— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 7, 2020
Green didn’t openly call for Booker to join any specific team, only to leave the organization that hasn’t stamped a winning record since he was drafted in 2015.
With the arrival of Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender in Golden State, Green has had a first-hand look at what a change of scenery can do for former members of the Suns.
Regardless of Green’s comments, Booker still has four years left on the max-contract he signed with Phoenix in 2018. On top of his long term deal, Booker’s All-Star caliber playmaking paired with the evolution of Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges could begin to shift the Suns’ spot in the standings.
Their 4-0 start at Disney World could be a preview of the future in Phoenix.
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