Following a disappointing playoff exit, Phoenix’s cornerstone enters his 12th season seeking increased efficiency. Discover how refined shot selection and roster continuity could spark a dominant veteran campaign.
Roughly three weeks remain until the Phoenix Suns open the 2026-27 season up.
This means that Devin Booker's 12th season in the NBA is on the dawn of taking shape, just months after seeing his 11th campaign end in a playoff sweep.
Read more about what to expect from Booker in the upcoming season, an area he should strive to improve in, and more.
Reasonable Expectations for Booker in 2026-27
The Kentucky product ranked 9th in the NBA in points per game (26.1) and 19th in assists per contest (6.0) amongst qualified players a season ago.
This was in the face of the 6'5" guard experiencing a "down" season, which should inspire confidence that an uptick in volume and efficiency are both within sight, especially with a more ideal ecosystem around him this season (on paper).
Booker is hoping for breakouts from rising stars such as second-year center Khaman Maluach, as well as more favorable health luck for teammates such as guard Jalen Green.
Ultimately, Booker should be seen as a high-level floor raiser at worst, and a potential ceiling raiser at absolute best.
Booker Must Improve as Three-Point Shooter
The longtime Sun has seen his three-point efficiency fluctuate over the years, including a 33% mark in 2025-26.
On the bright side, the difference between the 33% and an above-average figure is making roughly 15 more of the 370 attempts taken last season. The potential key to solving this issue rests in forgoing pull-up jumpers in favor of spot-up looks.
If this ends up being the case, expect forward Miles Bridges and guard Collin Gillespie to be vital in creating relatively clean looks off-ball for the one time three-point contest champion.
Booker-Green Fit Crucial to Phoenix's Success
One of the headlines that will grab attention this season lies in how Booker continues to evolve - especially in how he fits alongside his backcourt mate in Green.
The two high-end scorers should be a dynamic fit alongside one another, but Green must become a more consistent scorer, while Booker must make a point to pressure the rim on a more frequent basis.
This isn't to say the fit can't work, but it hasn't been the cleanest transition for either side at this stage of their time together.
Ultimately, Booker and Green's progression as a duo has the potential to shape what Phoenix can and will accomplish in the 82 games ahead.
