It’s not as bad as the numbers might say.
Devin Booker’s start to the 2024–25 campaign has been anything but steady. After a choppy first week, he bounced back impressively, earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors for Week 2. However, Week 3 brought signs of regression.
During Week 2, Booker posted impressive averages of 33.7 points on shooting splits of 48.4/37/90.6. In contrast, Week 3 saw those numbers plummet to 17.8 points with splits of 37.1/19.4/92.9, despite one game where he played without Kevin Durant and carried the offensive burden. The Phoenix Suns faced clutch situations in all four of their Week 3 matchups, yet Booker managed only 4 points in total, shooting a combined 1-of-7 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc.
To outside observers, it seems clear that something is amiss with Devin Booker. And they wouldn’t be wrong. Those metrics
There’s no need to fear. Players have ups and downs, and Booker is no different. He is adjusting to a new system, just as Jusuf Nurkic was earlier in the year. You remember Nurkic? The guy who was, as he always is, obliterated by Anthony Davis? He’s settled in just fine as he’s embraced the role put forth in front of him by Mike Budenholzer. He no longer needs to be a facilitator, rather, somebody who owns the paint and bangs the boards.
The same goes for Booker.
As the longest-tenured Sun, Devin Booker had been operating under former Assistant Coach Kevin Young’s system since 2020. Now, with Young coaching at BYU, Booker is adapting to Mike Budenholzer’s new philosophy. One that leans heavily on three-point shooting.
Booker has never been a high-volume or exceptionally accurate three-point shooter. Heading into this season, his career average stood at 5.8 attempts per game with a 35.7% success rate from deep. This trend has persisted into the current season. Despite leading the team in three-point attempts per game, he ranks sixth in overall percentage, shooting just 32.1%. Is that ideal? Not at all. Is it cause for concern? Opinions will vary, and some may certainly see reason for worry.
But one thing that we need to understand is Devin Booker‘s in his prime and every time a challenge has been put in front of him, whether it is an increase in volume or facilitation of the offense or, in this case, shooting the three ball with more frequency, he rises to the occasion. Has there been an adjustment every time? Yes. So expect this trend to continue for the four-time All-Star.
The highest volume of three-point attempts in Devin Booker’s career came during the 2017-18 season when he averaged 7.1 per game, coincidentally, also his most accurate season at 38.3%. Notably, through the first 13 games that year, his shooting percentage from deep was only 34.2%. It took time for him to adapt, but he finished the remainder of the season shooting an impressive 39.2%.
In 2017-18, Devin Booker’s highest 3P volume (7.1/game) also marked his best accuracy at 38.3%. Early struggles (34.2% in his first 13 games) turned into a stellar 39.2% finish.
Adaptation takes time. #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/iuTnq7j0kR
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) November 12, 2024
Booker has long been a master of the mid-range, a zone where he has taken most of his shots throughout his career. Now, he’s working on extending that range by 3 to 6 feet, a shift that naturally requires adjustment. But if anyone can make that transition smoothly, it’s Devin Booker.
Another factor to consider is that Booker hasn’t been feeling well recently. Whether it’s food poisoning or another issue, he has mentioned that it’s been a tough illness to shake. He was questionable to play on Friday against the Mavericks and was still feeling the effects on Sunday against the Kings.
“It’s something,” Booker said of his illness following the defeat to the Kings. “It should be gone soon.”
Mike Budenholzer on Devin Booker looking gassed late and still playing through illness: “Yeah, I think he’s had a tough couple days. I’ve gotta find a way to give him a break….But he’s a fighter, he’s a competitor. He wants to play every minute.” pic.twitter.com/qZDoqLeFjw
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) November 11, 2024
To his credit, Booker has continued to compete. He could easily take a night off to recover from illness, but he’s chosen to push through and contribute however he can. It’s the kind of dedication that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet.
To those doubting Devin Booker’s ability to adapt to Budenholzer’s system or questioning his role on this team: relax. The season is a long journey, and Devin Booker will be just fine. He’s shown us time and again that there is no reason to worry.