Devin Booker’s Switch to Melvin Booker’s No. 15 Jersey Turns Father’s Day Into an Emotional Moment

Devin Booker's father, Melvin Booker, played point guard at Missouri, and then professional team's abroad.

Devin Booker’s Switch to Melvin Booker’s No. 15 Jersey Turns Father’s Day Into an Emotional Moment

Melvin Booker and Devin Booker (Image via FirstSportz)

It is clear by now that the Phoenix Suns are building their roster around leading superstar Devin Booker. The team wants to get away from their failed Big 3 era, and the best way to do so is to give the guard players he can lead.

When a Big 3 is created, it usually leads to chemistry issues, as one or more tend to clash about what direction the team needs to proceed in.

Booker was part of two Big 3’s with the Phoenix Suns. One was when he had Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton alongside him. That unit raced to the 2021 NBA Finals. The second era with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal turned into a disaster.

Now, with Booker as the leader, the team is allowing him the freedom to do what he pleases. Mostly, that would be on the basketball side, but the Suns permitted him to do something closer to his heart.

That’s tough… I don’t even know what to say, son… I’m just shocked right now.

Melvin Booker said

This was the reaction of former Missouri Tigers guard Melvin Booker, the Suns guard’s father. It was his number that his son, Devin Booker, decided to wear going forward.

The 29-year-old has worn the No. 1 jersey throughout his NBA career, continuing his trend from Kentucky. But he felt it was time to honor his father.

He debuted it while playing the unsung hero for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, and now will have it on his front and back in the NBA. It was the ultimate Father’s Day present, which is why the senior Booker was emotional.

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Devin Booker’s Suns making moves early ahead of the NBA Draft

Devin Booker will be hoping that honoring his father would have the same impact as it did when he did what was necessary to help Team USA win the gold medal.

It is not a sign that he would relinquish his leading superstar role, but it could be that he is motivated to step up and lead his team to success.

The Oklahoma City Thunder might have swept them in the first round, but the Suns are brimming with confidence after reaching the playoffs in what should have been a transition year.

To ensure that the franchise has at least most of the impactful players from last season back, they decided to conduct some business early.

ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that free agent guard Collin Gillespie is expected to sign a four-year, $48 million deal with them soon. This means that the undrafted star who saw a major uptick in his production last season stays.

They also made sure to sign another free agent to a long-term contract. Jordan Goodwin was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in the first part of last season.

Since being waived, he has been part of the Suns. Now, his performances have netted him a three-year, $19 million contract. These deals will help Devin Booker the most, as the two guards have proved they can produce when needed.

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Devin Booker’s Suns could continue to grow despite lack of 1st-round draft pick

The reason the Phoenix Suns are moving earlier than others is that they do not have a first-round pick this year to add pieces around Devin Booker. They gave up their cache to facilitate the move of Bradley Beal‘s expensive contract.

Devin Booker and his teammates will rely on their chemistry next season
Devin Booker and his teammates will rely on their chemistry next season (Image via Suns/X)

Since they cannot dip into the pool of prospects, it was wise of them to move early and secure as many of their players as they could.

Chemistry plays a major part in a team’s success, and the Suns know firsthand how the lack of it can burn down whatever castles they have dreamt of. Devin Booker’s time with them has proved that the lack of team unity can be disastrous.

That is why they are doing whatever they can to secure a full roster. What will surprise fans is that they still have enough money to go chasing other mid-tier free agents. But after the expensive lessons of the past, it is unlikely that they will follow that method.

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