For nearly a decade, NBA star Devin Booker has fought to redefine his reputation beyond just being a high-volume scorer. His transformative stint with the U.S. Men’s Olympic team may have finally shattered that misconception. “Book is a perfect FIBA guy,” Team USA coach Steve Kerr remarked, emphasizing Booker’s newfound versatility.
As Team USA prepares for group play against Serbia in the Paris Olympics, Booker has embraced what he calls a “whatever-I-gotta-do role.” His performance in the team’s five exhibition games showcased his adaptability. Despite modest scoring averages, his contributions as a starter and reserve were pivotal. In one game, he shot 3-for-4 against Canada, and in another, his plus-minus of +14 against South Sudan highlighted his impact. As a reserve against Australia, he scored 16 points on 4-for-7 shooting, alongside three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Even in less stellar outings, such as his 1-for-3 shooting night against Serbia, his strong plus-minus of +21 proved his value.
Booker’s ability to thrive in varied roles has been evident since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. As a starter in five of six games, he averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. Kerr praised Booker’s dual effectiveness as a passer and defender, highlighting his willingness to defer to main headliners like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum in 2021, and LeBron James and Stephen Curry in 2024.
“I’m down to do whatever it takes,” Booker said. “I understand you’re not scoring 30 points a game and you might not touch the ball at all. Or you might not get in the game. But just being okay with that and being fine with that and understanding that you’re representing something that’s bigger than you. You’re representing the whole country.”
In the NBA, Booker’s role with the Phoenix Suns is vastly different. Known for his prolific scoring, aggressive drives, and reliable outside shooting, he’s earned four NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA team honors. However, his tenure with Team USA has underscored his value as a two-way player, capable of contributing beyond scoring.
Jrue Holiday’s success as a versatile player for both his NBA team and Team USA provides a parallel to Booker’s journey. While Booker’s style differs, his adaptability is evident. In Phoenix, he has shared ball-handling duties with Chris Paul and thrived alongside Kevin Durant. Despite early playoff exits in recent years, Booker’s ability to adjust his game based on his teammates’ strengths has been crucial.
“He was one of our key players. So that’s why he’s back here,” Kerr said. “We knew how much we needed him. I’m so impressed with Book’s ability to understand that and recognize the role change, but still hit the big shot and be looking forward to a big moment.”
Booker’s preparation for the Paris Olympics has been markedly different from Tokyo. After the Suns’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals, he had only five days to prepare for the Olympics. This time, following a first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he spent three months preparing, driven by the previous season’s disappointments.
“The season ended too short for us. I just kept it going,” Devin Booker said. “I didn’t take any time off. I’m in some of the best shape of my life right now.”
Team USA faces numerous challenges ahead of the Paris Olympics. Kevin Durant is nursing a strained calf, and the team’s narrow wins over South Sudan and Germany have raised concerns about their chemistry and rotations. While much of their success hinges on Durant’s health, LeBron James’ leadership, and Stephen Curry’s shooting, Booker’s adaptability could be the X-factor.
“We just have to get involved in other ways,” Devin Booker said. “The ball is not going to be in your hand the whole game. You might have to get an offensive rebound and defend better than you usually do and make the extra pass that you usually don’t make.”
Devin Booker’s evolution from a high-volume scorer to a versatile team player exemplifies the changing dynamics of basketball at the international level. His willingness to adapt and play a supporting role for Team USA speaks volumes about his growth and understanding of the game. It also highlights the increasing importance of multi-faceted players in today’s basketball landscape.
Devin Booker’s journey with Team USA underscores a crucial aspect often overlooked in star athletes: the ability to sacrifice personal glory for the greater good. Booker’s transformation is not just about changing perceptions but also about setting an example for future generations. His story is a testament to the fact that true greatness lies in one’s ability to adapt and excel in any role, a quality that is becoming indispensable in modern basketball.
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