The Phoenix Suns initially sought to add an experienced point guard to assist Devin Booker with playmaking responsibilities. However, after losing Tyus Jones in free agency and missing a chance to bring back Chris Paul, who signed with the LA Clippers for family reasons, the Suns decided to entrust Booker with the role of the full-time starting point guard for the upcoming season. This move addresses the Suns’ pressing need to stabilize their backcourt play.
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM host John Gambadoro confirmed this development, stating,
“Devin Booker will be the Suns’ full-time starting point guard next season.”
Booker’s history as a playmaker sets foundation for new role
Devin Booker is already familiar with orchestrating the offense, shown during the 2019-20 season when he averaged a team-high 6.8 assists while officially playing shooting guard and earning his first All-Star selection. When true point guards like Ricky Rubio or Chris Paul have been on the roster, Booker has shifted to a secondary playmaking role without losing his assist production.
Last season, even with Tyus Jones on the team, Booker took on substantial point guard duties, increasing his assists to a career-best 7.1 per game. By committing Booker permanently to this position, the Suns expect him to have greater control of plays and more opportunities to facilitate his teammates.
The acquisition of Jalen Green, a natural shooting guard from the Houston Rockets traded in the Kevin Durant deal, further supports this transition, allowing Booker to move into the primary playmaking role while Green handles the scoring duties on the wing.
Limited experience among other Suns point guards creates challenges
Beyond Devin Booker, the Suns’ roster lacks significant depth or experience at the point guard position. Jordan Goodwin, recently claimed off waivers after a stint with the LA Lakers, has played 150 NBA games but only started in 24, mainly functioning as a shooting guard and 3-and-D role player rather than a playmaker.
Collin Gillespie offers a more natural point guard presence, having started nine games last season while managing the offense effectively. Should Booker require rest or suffer an injury, Gillespie is the likelier option to step up as the secondary playmaker.
This thin point guard depth poses a challenge for new head coach Jordan Ott, who may need to rely heavily on scoring guards like Jalen Green and Grayson Allen to assist with ball-handling and floor management, especially during Booker’s absence.
Implications for the Suns’ backcourt and upcoming season
Assigning Booker as the full-time point guard represents a significant strategic shift, as the Suns adapt to changes in personnel and aim to maximize their offensive efficiency. While Booker’s proven ability as a playmaker is a strong foundation, the team‘s limited alternative options at the position underline potential vulnerabilities, particularly in terms of depth and injury contingencies.
The upcoming season will test how effectively the Suns can leverage Booker’s versatility while supporting him through role adjustments by Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, and others. Coach Jordan Ott’s management of this transition will be critical to maintaining competitive consistency in a demanding Western Conference landscape.