Devin Booker All-Star: Suns’ Success Driven by Depth

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has been named a reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star game, marking his fifth appearance in the annual showcase. This selection comes as the Suns hold a 30-20 record, positioning them for a potential top-six seed in the Western Conference.

Booker’s Journey to All-Star Status

Booker’s inclusion in the All-Star game is particularly noteworthy, as he acknowledged the importance of team success. “First, I got to thank the team,” Booker said. “I’ve had, statistically, some better years where I didn’t make the game. It all comes back to team success.” He is currently averaging over 25 points per game for an eighth consecutive season.

A Shift in Roster Dynamics

The Suns underwent a significant change in July, trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Durant had been an All-Star in all three seasons with Phoenix, while Booker was not selected in 2023 or 2025. Despite this change, Phoenix has maintained a consistent presence in the All-Star game, with at least one representative for seven straight seasons.

Did You Know? The Phoenix Suns have had at least one All-Star representative in seven consecutive seasons, dating back to 2019-20.

The Rise of Dillon Brooks

With Booker currently sidelined due to a right ankle sprain, forward Dillon Brooks has stepped up, averaging a career-high 21.1 points per game. Brooks has averaged over 22 points per game in the 10 games Booker has missed. His performance has even sparked All-Star consideration, with teammate Collin Gillespie stating, “Dillon Brooks is an All-Star. I think we have two.” However, Brooks deferred praise to Booker, saying, “Our real All-Star is (Booker). He’s been leading us the whole time and he deserves to be in that All-Star talk.”

Team Contributions Beyond the Stars

While Booker and Brooks garner attention, players like Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Jordan Goodwin have also played pivotal roles in the Suns’ success. First-year coach Jordan Ott expressed his satisfaction with Booker’s leadership, stating, “There’s not enough good things to say when you have a superstar that does all the things no one sees and does all the stuff on the court.”

Expert Insight: The Suns’ ability to remain competitive despite injuries and roster changes highlights the importance of depth and adaptability in the modern NBA.

Looking Ahead

The Suns have won six of their last nine games and are scheduled to play in Portland on Tuesday. If Booker remains sidelined, Dillon Brooks will likely continue to shoulder a significant offensive load. The team’s performance in the remaining games before the All-Star break could further solidify their playoff positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the last time Devin Booker was the Suns’ lone All-Star?

The last time Booker was the Suns’ lone All-Star was during the 2019-20 season, when Phoenix finished with a 34-39 record and 10th in the Western Conference.

How many times has Devin Booker been named an NBA All-Star?

This year’s selection marks Devin Booker’s fifth NBA All-Star appearance.

Who did the Suns trade Kevin Durant to?

The Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in July.

With the All-Star game approaching, what impact will this recognition have on Devin Booker’s continued leadership and the Phoenix Suns’ pursuit of a strong playoff run?