Phoenix Suns shooting guard phenom Devin Booker became the youngest player to crack Sports Illustrated Top 100 NBA players of 2016-17.
While there are only a few teenagers in the NBA, the list only includes players with pro experience, so incoming rookies are not included on the list.
Booker made his name last year after an unfortunate injury to Eric Bledsoe, which allowed him to log heavy minutes, sometimes even in the forties.
There was a certain maturity about the Kentucky product during the season. His shot selection wasn't reckless, as rookie's often are, and his sweet three-point stroke was good enough to get him into the All-Star Three-Point Contest.
While a rookie season is always tough to judge as it does have a lot of variables, Booker's percentages took a big dip as he saw more minutes and shot attempts.
But if there's one thing to describe his game, it's explosive. Booker can get buckets in a hurry.
The native Michigander already has six 30-point games under his belt, including a career-high 35 points against the Denver Nuggets.
SI.com on Devin Booker
Here's an excerpt from Ben Golliver of SI.com on Booker:
“Looking for a seat on the Devin Booker hype train? If so, be prepared to squeeze in between the likes of LeBron James and Drake.
The buzz around Booker, a 2015 lottery pick, has steadily climbed since he made the most of Phoenix’s lost year to average 19.2 PPG and 4.1 APG after the All-Star break. His brief cameo at the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League was met with rave reviews, as he displayed the knockdown shooting stroke that got him drafted, some nice playmaking instincts in traffic, and a fiery competitiveness that suggests he’s only just getting started.
At 19, Booker is the youngest player and only teenager on this year’s Top 100, a fact that should inspire awe and caution alike. Development at this stage tends to come in fits and starts, and Booker will need to reclaim his role in Phoenix’s backcourt with veterans Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight back from injury.
Still, Booker possesses enough natural talent, scoring ability and comfort on the ball to make betting on a sophomore breakthrough feel like a safe proposition.”
Look for a tremendous sophomore season from Devin Booker in 2016-17.