For Booker, praises come in lots of shapes and forms

After not getting much respect for a year or two there while the Suns franchise wallowed around him, Devin Booker has finally been collecting on what’s due since his All-Star bid and virtuoso performance in the Bubble.

Oh you thought this might be a column on Booker wanting out of Phoenix? No, he doesn’t want out of Phoenix. Silly rumor has been debunked in several ways — including by Book’s own brother — since Ryen Rusillo floated it on Bill Simmons podcast earlier this week. Rusillo said the league’s “worst kept secret” is that Booker wants out of Phoenix, but even he added the necessary context: if the Suns remain bad another year. Sure, absolutely, if the Suns are bad again in 2020-21, they deserve to hear a Booker trade demand. But in the meantime, Booker is and always was happy in Phoenix, playing in front of the best fans in the NBA. He loves Phoenix. He just wants to win games.

Let’s get back to that recognition he’s starting to receive.

The latest to speak up is Ray Allen, who recently named Booker and Bradley Beal as two young shooters to look out for.

The ten-time All-Star and Hall of Famer has formed a liking for the two stars and believes Booker and Beal are the names that should pop into someone’s head when asked who their favorite shooters are from this era.

On the ‘Posecast’ with James Posey, Allen explained what both the players need to do to pave their way to a title. Yes, a title in Phoenix. I love the sound of that.

Booker’s performance in the Bubble left Allen very impressed.

“I love what Devin Booker did in the bubble. But I always knew that he was that type of player. I know a lot has been said about wherever team he might end up on but Phoenix has a great fan base and an opportunity to win as long as they continue to surround him with pieces.”

Ray Allen is one of the greatest shooters the NBA has seen. So, for him to see potential in Booker is huge.

Not only did he give respect to Booker, though, he also hyped Phoenix basketball in that last line. It’s great to see the franchise starting to get some respect as well. We know these aren’t the Suns of the last decade and that the team is rising and how special Devin is.

High praise from one of the best to play the game is always welcome.

Lead on, Booker. Go Suns!