The Phoenix Suns host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, and visiting head coach Rick Carlisle expressed praise for the desert franchise's backcourt pair Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio pregame.

Booker, 23, has transformed into one of the NBA's best scorers and remains a preeminent threat at shooting guard. The fifth-year guard out of Kentucky is averaging 24.9 points and 6.2 assists per game entering Friday's contest with the Mavs.

However, the Suns swingman has needed help in the backcourt during his young professional career. Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio has completed that equation, as Phoenix signed him to a three-year, $51 million deal to help alleviate the playmaking load on Booker's shoulders.

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Rubio is having a renaissance year a dozen games into his first season with Phoenix, averaging 12.9 points and 7.8 assists per game.

The Suns have quietly been a surprisingly solid team to start the 2019-20 campaign, especially with last year's No. 1 overall pick center Deandre Ayton suspended for 25 games due to PED use.

Friday's matchup should be an early test for the young Suns team, especially with MVP candidate Luka Doncic in town and aiming to bring the Mavs to the win column. However, Phoenix is in good hands with a blossoming backcourt of old and young.