Suns' Devin Booker Surprisingly Left Out of Major NBA Conversation

Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker is continuing to grab headlines over the course of the offseason in what will be a lead-in to his 12th season in the NBA. 

The heart and soul of the city's identity has accomplished virtually everything a player can possibly dream of - including becoming the franchise's leading all-time scorer - but he has yet to capture the elusive first title that has evaded the organization for nearly 60 years. 

Still, Booker remains an All-NBA caliber player, a wonderful representative of the organization, and a stabilizing force during a transitionary period in Phoenix.

Booker getting overlooked despite building up merit for over a decade in the league is still a curious conversation - one that was further heightened on Wednesday when Jose Gonzalez of CBS Sports mentioned players such as Stephon Castle and Caleb Wilson over the three-time All-NBA selection as faces of the league.

The remainder of players that are named over Booker - from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to LeBron James - are valid in unique ways - however this lack of endorsement still seems to be disrespectful. 

Even if his scoring regression has turned into a pattern and he is no longer a top-10 level player like he was three years ago, he still remains one of the very most popular/recognizable faces across the entire league. This is evidenced by the Kentucky product consistently sporting one of the most-sold jerseys in the league, as well as being one of the most followed players in the league across social media. Perhaps the most telling sign is the line of signature shoes that the dynamic scorer has rolled out over the last few years - this is an honor that very few get to actually boast.

Booker very much deserves to be in the conversation as a face of the league beyond recognition and popularity despite the slight downtick as a scorer. There is likely less than one dozen players in the NBA that could have led the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns roster to a winning record - Booker's excellent evolution as a playmaker allowed for teammates such as Collin Gillespie to have career years.

In conclusion, Booker remains a top-20 level player and top-10 level brand across the league - he should absolutely be in conversations when this topic is brought into the light, especially when competition includes players such as Castle that have yet to prove an exceptional amount.