Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been one of the lone bright spots during what has been a mostly dark season for the franchise, entering play Friday 15-51 on the year, the worst record in the Western Conference by an 11-game margin. He has been teamed up this season with Igor Kokoskov, who has been tabbed as a head coach in the NBA for the first time. Booker had this to say of his new coach to George Efkarpides of Euro Hoops:
“Being a student of the game and understanding the game. We have really in-depth conversations about the game. Through those conversations you can tell how much he cares, how important basketball is to him.”
Booker has been slowed by injuries this season, appearing in 51 games. But during his time on the court, he has put himself on pace for a new career high in assists per game (6.6), while matching his scoring mark from last season of 24.9 points per game.
This past offseason, the Suns inked Booker to a massive five-year, $158 million extension to become the face of the franchise. Still just 22 years old, Booker took over primary point guard duties as Kokoskov has cycled through potential candidates to pair alongside the young star in the backcourt. Despite his scoring prowess during his first four years in the league, Booker has yet to be named to an All-Star team or awarded All-NBA honors.
The Suns are headed towards obtaining another top pick in the NBA Draft, a young piece that they will undoubtedly be looking to pair alongside Booker and the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton. It appears that if Booker has a vote, it would include bringing back his head coach for a second season to see where the team can improve.
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