Locked On Suns Friday: Should Phoenix take the James Harden approach in building around Devin Booker?

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns’ 103-89 loss in San Antonio. Without T.J. Warren (illness), Phoenix relied upon Devin Booker to carry even more of a heavier workload, which included backup point guard duties with Isaiah Canaan also out.

From the Spurs matchup, we touched on Josh Jackson, Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, Tyler Ulis and Booker’s performances.

Also, we discussed Kevin O’Connor’s great article on Booker over at The Ringer. Diving deeper into his points, is building the roster around the 21-year-old much like Houston did with James Harden the way to go?

One interesting stat to follow, Booker now is third (fourth if you still somehow consider Harden an SG) in games where he dishes out 5 or more assists. He has done so 16 times in 31 contests, which puts him on a playmaking-type trajectory many never expected this early. Only DeMar DeRozan (21) and Jimmy Butler (19) have done it more, albeit in more opportunities.

This is a must-listen if you want our last thoughts on #TheTimeline before our halfway stock reports, which take place this weekend.

What’s your grades for the young Suns core parts at the halfway mark, and would you go the Harden path with Booker if you are general manager Ryan McDonough?

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