Devin Booker's NBA Ranking: A Slight Dip
Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns' star player, has experienced a minor setback in ESPN's annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players. For the 2025-26 season, Booker landed in the 16th spot, a slight decrease from his 15th position the previous year. This makes him the highest-ranked and only Phoenix Suns player to make the list this season, a contrast to last year when he was joined by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Despite the slight drop, Booker's consistency remains a significant highlight. He and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only two players in the NBA to average 25 points or more in each of the past seven seasons. This consistency is particularly noteworthy considering the various phases of the Suns during Booker's time with the team.
From Lottery Team to Championship Contenders
ESPN emphasizes Booker’s ability to shine despite the Suns' initial struggles as a lottery team in his first five seasons. He then led the team to become championship contenders before they ultimately underperformed last season. Now, the Suns are seemingly in a rebuilding phase, but the management still holds expectations of being competitive and potentially improving upon last season's 36-46 record.
What Does This Mean for the Suns?
The Suns' current situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Booker. As the sole representative of the team on the top 100 list, he carries a significant responsibility to lead the team forward. Whether the Suns can bounce back and exceed expectations remains to be seen, but Devin Booker's performance will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.