Decline of a Superstar: What Happened to Devin Booker?

The Phoenix Suns suffered a heartbreaking 124-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that exposed growing concerns about Devin Booker’s performance and impact. Without Kevin Durant, Booker was expected to take the lead, but his struggles on both ends of the court were evident. Despite scoring 28 points, his inefficiency and poor decision-making in critical moments left fans and analysts questioning if he’s still the league’s premier shooting guard.

A Disappointing Performance

In 37 minutes of action, Booker shot just 6-for-20 from the field and 3-for-10 from beyond the arc. While he did convert an impressive 13-of-14 free throws, his overall scoring lacked the efficiency and dominance fans have come to expect.

The most glaring moment came in the final seconds of the game. With 2.7 seconds left, the Suns trailed by two and had possession. Booker received the ball but struggled to create a clean look against Herbert Jones, one of the league’s elite defenders. His dribble nearly faltered, and as he recovered to take a shot, Jones swatted it away to secure the win for the Pelicans.

After the game, Booker hinted at potential contact on the play, saying, “Let’s wait for the last two-minute report.” However, the reality is that Booker’s mismanagement of the possession and underestimation of Jones’ defensive ability were the primary reasons for the missed opportunity.

A Season of Decline

This game wasn’t an isolated incident. Booker’s performance throughout the 2023-24 season has been underwhelming compared to his previous campaigns. Through 21 games, he’s averaging 25.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field, 34.5% from three, and 89.9% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage (58.6%) remains solid but marks a noticeable decline from the heights he achieved in recent years.

For most players, these stats would be commendable. But for someone of Booker’s caliber—once hailed as the league’s best shooting guard—it’s a step back. Fans vividly remember his heroics over the last three years:

• 2021 Playoffs: In his postseason debut, Booker led the Suns to the NBA Finals, delivering multiple 40-point games and giving the team a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks before falling short in the series.
• 2022 Regular Season: Booker spearheaded a franchise-best 64-18 record, earning First Team All-NBA honors and finishing fourth in MVP voting.
• 2023 Playoffs: Despite the Suns’ second-round exit, Booker was sensational, averaging 33.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 58.5% shooting and a remarkable 50.8% from three over 11 games.

These performances established Booker as the undisputed top shooting guard in the league, but this season, he has struggled to live up to that reputation.

A Lack of Impact

One of the most concerning aspects of Booker’s current form is his limited impact on team success. This season, the Suns have been outscored by 1.8 points per 100 possessions when Booker is on the court. Conversely, they’ve outscored opponents by 3.0 points per 100 possessions when he’s off the floor.

By comparison, Kevin Durant’s on-off stats are starkly different. The Suns outscore opponents by 4.7 points per 100 possessions with Durant and are outscored by 5.1 points without him. The Suns’ 1-8 record in games Durant has missed highlights his irreplaceable value, raising questions about Booker’s ability to lead the team in Durant’s absence.

This loss to the Pelicans, a team near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, further amplifies concerns. Fans are left wondering: Was Booker’s past success primarily a product of playing alongside stars like Chris Paul and Kevin Durant?

Past Glory, Present Doubts

It wasn’t long ago that Booker’s talent and leadership were unquestionable. He delivered iconic performances in the playoffs, including back-to-back 47-point games in 2023, earning comparisons to the league’s all-time greats. Even last season, Booker averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists with a career-high 61.1% true shooting percentage, earning Third Team All-NBA honors despite fierce competition.

His dominance extended beyond the NBA. This past summer, Booker was instrumental in Team USA’s Olympic gold medal run. In the final two knockout games, Booker’s defense and clutch shooting were pivotal, proving his ability to thrive on the world stage.

Is the “Torch” Still Within Reach?

With Kevin Durant in the twilight of his career, many expected Booker to emerge as the Suns’ undisputed leader. Even Charles Barkley, a Suns legend, suggested that it might be time for Booker to take the torch from Durant. But this season’s inconsistent performances have cast doubt on whether he’s ready for that responsibility.

While Booker has delivered standout games—like his 40-point explosion against the Clippers and a 44-point showcase against the Timberwolves—such performances have been the exception, not the rule. The drop in his efficiency and impact makes it hard to argue that he’s the same player who terrorized defenses in the 2023 playoffs.

Hope for a Turnaround

The good news for Booker and the Suns is that the season is still young. With only a quarter of the games played, there’s ample time for him to rediscover his rhythm and return to the form that once made him the league’s best shooting guard.

The Suns will need that version of Booker, especially if they hope to contend for a title. While Durant’s brilliance keeps them competitive, the team’s championship aspirations hinge on Booker reclaiming his spot among the NBA’s elite.

For now, though, fans can’t help but wonder: Was 2023’s playoff brilliance an anomaly, or can Booker prove that his peak is still ahead? The clock is ticking, and the Suns can’t afford to wait much longer.