The Underrated MVP! Could Devin Booker Be the Next Captain of Team USA?

The U.S. Men's Basketball Team has once again claimed Olympic gold, with their victory over France sealing their place atop the podium. The stars of the show were the trio of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. LeBron and Durant delivered strong performances, with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists for LeBron, and 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists for Durant. But it was Curry who truly stole the spotlight, hitting eight three-pointers en route to 24 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. His heroics in the final three minutes of the game, when France had closed the gap to just three points, sealed the win for Team USA. Curry's four clutch three-pointers not only secured the victory but also the gold medal.

For LeBron, Durant, and Curry, this Olympics had a special significance. LeBron earned his third Olympic gold medal and was named the third-ever MVP in Olympic history. Durant secured his fourth consecutive gold medal, solidifying his status as the greatest player in USA Basketball history. As for Curry, any doubts about his ability to perform on the FIBA stage were emphatically erased.

While the performances of LeBron, Durant, and Curry garnered most of the attention, one player who also played a pivotal role in the gold medal game didn't receive nearly as much praise—Devin Booker. In the gold medal game, Team USA had four players score in double figures. In addition to LeBron, Durant, and Curry, Booker put up 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 27 minutes, tying Durant for the second-highest scoring output on the team.

Booker’s impact was felt early in the game. He scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half, helping Team USA build an eight-point lead at halftime. In the crucial final three minutes of the fourth quarter, while Curry was raining threes, Booker contributed a fast-break layup and two key free throws that helped secure the victory.

Booker’s defensive contributions were just as critical. He played with intensity and energy, disrupting France’s backcourt with relentless pressure. France's trio of Evan Fournier, Elie Okobo, and Frank Ntilikina combined to shoot just 3-of-19 from the field, a testament to Booker’s defensive efforts. Booker finished the game with a plus-minus of +18, second only to Curry's +20, and ahead of both LeBron (+17) and Durant (+7).

Throughout the Olympics, Booker consistently demonstrated his value to Team USA. He played in all six games, averaging 22.0 minutes, 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 56.8% from the field, 56.5% from three, and 77.8% from the free-throw line. His cumulative plus-minus of +78 was the fourth highest on the team, trailing only Curry (+86), LeBron (+84), and Durant (+84).

In the semifinal against Serbia, Booker’s contributions were crucial even though he scored just six points. He hit a key three-pointer during a critical stretch in the fourth quarter when Serbia had cut the lead to five points. His defense was once again outstanding, as Serbia’s perimeter shooters struggled to find any rhythm. Booker's fourth-quarter defense earned him the trust of head coach Steve Kerr, who played him for the entire final period. Serbia failed to hit a single three-pointer in that quarter, and Booker’s +16 plus-minus was second only to Curry on the team.

Booker's performance against Brazil in the quarterfinals was another highlight. He scored 18 points on 9-of-6 shooting in just 15 minutes, displaying his efficiency and ability to take over a game with limited playing time. While some players struggled to maintain their form throughout the tournament, Booker only got better as the stakes increased. His poise, versatility, and commitment to the team’s success were evident in every game he played.

In the aftermath of Team USA's gold medal win, Steve Kerr had high praise for Booker, calling him "an incredible player" and "our unsung MVP." Kerr’s comments were echoed by Curry, who shared Kerr's statement on social media, adding, "So true."

What makes Booker's performance even more remarkable is the way he embraced his role on the team. As the franchise player for the Phoenix Suns, Booker is used to being the primary scorer and ball-handler, with the offense running through him. In contrast, his role on Team USA required him to be more of a 3-and-D player, focusing on defense, spot-up shooting, and cutting without the ball. He adjusted seamlessly, showing that he could excel in any role and contribute to winning basketball.

A successful team needs not only superstars but also players who are willing to do the dirty work and make sacrifices for the greater good. Booker’s willingness to put aside his usual role and thrive as a complementary player to LeBron, Durant, and Curry was a key factor in Team USA's success. Without his contributions, it’s not certain that the team would have won the gold medal.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Booker has helped Team USA win gold. He was also a key player on the 2021 Tokyo Olympic team that won gold. At 27 years old, Booker is in the prime of his career, and by the time the next Olympics rolls around, he’ll be 31. With LeBron, Durant, and Curry likely to retire from international play, Booker could take on an even bigger role in the future, possibly leading the next generation of Team USA stars alongside players like Anthony Edwards.

In conclusion, Devin Booker may not have received as much recognition as his more famous teammates, but his importance to Team USA’s gold medal run cannot be overstated. He was the unsung hero, the glue that held the team together, and a player who consistently delivered when it mattered most. Looking ahead to the next Olympics, it’s not out of the question to wonder if Booker might be the one to lead Team USA into the future as their next captain.