Devin Booker needs unexpected pairing to reach dream NBA championship goal, says ex-star

Kenyon Martin suggests possible duo of Devin Booker and Ben Simmons teaming up could help Phoenix Suns reach championship goals.

Devin Booker needs unexpected pairing to reach dream NBA championship goal, says ex-star

Kenyon Martin suggests possible duo of Devin Booker and Ben Simmons

The Phoenix Suns continue their quest for an elusive NBA championship, led by the high-power trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. In the past, Booker has also teamed up with stars like Chris Paul en route to his only NBA Finals appearance in 2021.

Despite these star pairings, former NBA star Kenyon Martin believes Booker’s chances might improve with an unexpected addition – Ben Simmons. Speaking on the Gil’s Arena podcast, Martin argued that the Suns need a pass-first point guard to unlock the team’s offensive potential.

Drawing comparisons to teams like the Golden State Warriors, he argued how players like Draymond Green have elevated their teams by embracing a selfless playmaking role. In his opinion, Simmons could fill that void for Phoenix and Devin Booker.

FS Video

Go get you a Ben Simmons. He’s a pass-first and willing passer. You got KD, one of the most efficient scorers ever. Devin Booker is turning into that.

Kenyon Martin said

Kenyon Martin’s comments are focused on the Suns’ current offensive structure, which has relied on Devin Booker as a playmaker. While Booker averaged a career-high in assists last season, his scoring output took a slight dip as he balanced the responsibilities of a floor general.

Since then, the addition of Tyus Jones to the team has helped alleviate some of this pressure, leading to better ball distribution and a high-octane offense for a Suns team struggling to stay healthy. Ben Simmons’ arrival in Phoenix could fulfill that role.

RELATED
“He’s no Steph Curry…” Coach Steve Kerr quips at Draymond Green’s ‘night-night’ celebration
Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green

At his peak during his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons showcased elite playmaking ability that allowed multiple teammates to average double-digit scoring. However, his form has waned in recent years, especially with his own injury struggles, which could be a roadblock for Booker and the Suns.

Devin Booker and Ben Simmons’ complicated history

Pairing Ben Simmons with Devin Booker sounds like an ideal pairing on the court, but their off-court history might complicate things a little, given their shared history with Kendall Jenner. The two players were at different points romantically linked to the supermodel, making the possibility of pairing them complicated due to potential off-court skirmishes.

Jenner and Simmons dated intermittently for years, while Jenner and Booker were in a high-profile relationship from 2020 to late 2022. The Jenner-Booker romance seemed to have ended amicably, but reports surfaced earlier this year suggesting the two were exploring a renewed relationship.

From a basketball perspective, integrating Simmons into the Suns’ system might offer the balance Martin envisions. His playmaking could allow Booker to return to his natural role as a scorer, while Durant and Beal could benefit from Simmons’ passing instincts.

RELATED
Donovan Mitchell has $765 million to thank for bringing Juan Soto to his favorite team
Donovan Mitchell called Juan Soto on facetime after the Bahamian signed with his New York Mets

However, Simmons’ struggles with form and injury, along with the possibility of an off-court ‘love triangle,’ could make for very entertaining content on TMZ, but not as much on an NBA court.

.