When Devin Booker stood on the podium in Paris with a gold medal around his neck, he wasn’t just celebrating another monumental achievement for USA Basketball.
For the Phoenix Suns star, it was a moment of fulfillment and reflection—a reminder of his ultimate goal in the NBA.
Following Team USA’s victory over France in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game, head coach Steve Kerr had a final thought to share with the media before leaving the press conference stage. “Devin Booker is an incredible basketball player. Nobody asked about him. He was our unsung MVP,” Kerr declared.
For Booker, those words carried immense weight. “It meant everything,” Booker shared in a recent interview with Andscape. “No one really asked him, and that was probably something weighing on his heart throughout the whole process. It was way bigger than all of us. To pull through was something we’ll talk about for the rest of our lives.”
Booker wasn’t the headliner for Team USA’s gold-medal squad, a roster brimming with some of the NBA’s biggest names. While the spotlight often shifted to other stars and debates about playing time for certain players, Booker quietly carved out his role. The sharpshooting guard was instrumental in the team’s success, averaging 11.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers per game while leading the squad with a plus/minus of +130.
Kerr commended Booker for his adaptability, particularly on defense. Known for his scoring prowess in the NBA, Booker embraced the challenge of playing tough defense and thriving in a system where he wasn’t the primary offensive weapon. “I take pride in being from this country and representing the game of basketball,” Booker explained. “It’s about reminding the world who we are, even as the game grows globally.”
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Beyond the court, Booker took away valuable lessons from his star-studded Olympic teammates. Observing the preparation, discipline, and attention to detail displayed by players with championship pedigrees left a lasting impression. “What I’ve learned in my 10 [NBA] years is to pick up what works for you,” he said. “The level of intensity and detail they bring is consistent and contagious.”
Now back with the Suns, Booker has faced a different type of challenge: leading a team plagued by injuries to key players, including Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkić. Without Durant—sidelined since Nov. 8 with a calf strain—the Suns have struggled, going 1-5 and dropping four straight games.
Booker has shouldered much of the burden, averaging 24.1 points on 43.2% shooting over the last six games. Opponents have intensified their focus on the Suns’ star, throwing multiple defenders his way every night. “It’s a lot on his plate,” teammate Tyus Jones said. “We’ve got to find ways to help him out and make plays around him.”
Despite the adversity, Booker remains laser-focused on the big picture. With two Olympic gold medals, four NBA All-Star nods, and a Finals appearance under his belt, he knows the missing piece is an NBA championship.
“The guys I played with in Paris have been champions,” Booker said. “That’s the standard for them. Anything less, they don’t want anything to do with it. It’s contagious, and it’s all I want. It’s all I want.”
As the Suns fight to navigate a tough stretch in the season, Booker’s determination is unwavering. The lessons he learned in Paris and the bonds forged with teammates like Durant have only strengthened his resolve. “It’s about building that mindset and pushing every day,” Booker noted.
For Booker, the gold medal wasn’t just a victory; it was a benchmark for what’s possible. Now, his eyes are set firmly on a different kind of gold—the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The Suns’ all-time leading scorer knows the journey won’t be easy, but for Booker, that’s part of the allure.
“It’s everything I’m working toward,” he said. “Winning a championship isn’t just a goal—it’s the only goal.”
