Phoenix Suns' Offensive Future Hinges on Devin Booker's Three-Point Consistency
Suns analysts debate whether Devin Booker needs to improve his three-point shooting or focus on playmaking as Phoenix reshapes its roster.
The Phoenix Suns enter the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations, but their success may hinge on whether superstar Devin Booker can solve his three-point shooting inconsistencies. According to internal discussions among Suns analysts, Booker's perimeter shooting has become a polarizing topic as the team retools around him following significant roster changes.
Booker's Shooting Struggles Under Scrutiny
Analyst GuarGuar notes that Booker endured a down year from beyond the arc last season, with his high free throw rate (8.1 attempts per game, fifth in the league) masking otherwise declining efficiency. The concern centers particularly on his off-the-dribble three-point attempts, where he's historically struggled compared to his solid catch-and-shoot numbers. "His shooting form is different in some way since he came into the league," observed GuarGuar. "I think it was to maximize his midrange percentage, but the cost has been consistency from 3."
While some believe Booker needs to regain confidence from deep, others argue his three-point shooting shouldn't be prioritized over other facets of his game. The debate reflects broader questions about how the Suns can best optimize their franchise player as they attempt to build a championship-caliber team around him.
The Playmaking vs. Shooting Debate
Analyst Ashton pushes back against the notion that three-point shooting is a "must-have" skill for Booker, arguing his playmaking abilities are more critical to the Suns' success. "Olympic Book is what I am looking for this year," Ashton said, referencing Booker's stellar playmaking for Team USA. This perspective suggests the Suns might benefit more from Booker focusing on facilitating rather than forcing himself into being a high-volume three-point shooter.
However, GuarGuar counters that the team should run more sets to get Booker open looks from three, leveraging his gravity when blitzed to create opportunities for teammates. The discussion highlights the complex balancing act Booker faces as the Suns' offensive centerpiece, knowing when to score versus when to create for others.
Roster Changes Could Affect Booker's Role
With the additions of Mikal Bridges and other personnel changes, analysts believe this might be the best supporting cast Booker has had since the 2021-22 season. Rod notes that improved depth could allow Booker to spend less time playing point guard and more time focusing on scoring. The loss of center Mark Williams to a torn labrum (expected to miss 5-7 months) may force the Suns to play more small-ball lineups, potentially creating more spacing for Booker to operate.
The departures of Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen, who didn't draw many fouls, could also lead to a higher team free throw rate, with Bridges' aggressive slashing potentially complementing Booker's ability to get to the line. These roster adjustments might influence how often Booker looks for his own shot versus setting up teammates.
The Free Throw Factor
Booker's elite ability to draw fouls (his 8.1 free throw attempts per game ranked fifth in the NBA last season) provides a safety net for his efficiency even when his jumper isn't falling. Analysts debate whether the Suns can improve as a team in this area, with some skeptical given their historical difficulties earning favorable whistles. "It's the curse of the purple and orange since circa 1968," joked GuarGuar about the franchise's long-running complaints about officiating.
Ashton points to the team's midrange-heavy offense and players' confrontational tendencies with referees as continuing obstacles. Meanwhile, Rod remains optimistic that a more aggressive attacking style could lead to more free throw opportunities overall, which would take pressure off Booker to carry the entire foul-drawing burden.
Development of Young Talent
The discussion also touched on rookie Koa Peat's potential role, with most analysts expecting him to spend significant time in the G League. However, Williams' injury could create unexpected opportunities. "I can see situations where the Suns will play a semi-small ball with Bridges and [Rasheer] being the 'bigs' and the rest guards," noted zenzino, suggesting lineup flexibility might emerge from necessity.
This development could indirectly benefit Booker by creating more spacing and transition opportunities. The Suns' ability to develop young talent like Peat could prove crucial in maintaining depth throughout a long season, ensuring Booker doesn't have to shoulder an unsustainable burden.
Why It Matters
The Booker shooting debate encapsulates the Suns' broader championship calculus. In today's NBA, elite teams typically feature multiple players who can space the floor and create efficient offense. While Booker doesn't need to become Stephen Curry from deep, regaining consistency on three-pointers would force defenses to honor him at all levels, opening driving lanes and creating better looks for teammates.
More fundamentally, the discussion reflects the Suns' ongoing challenge to build the optimal ecosystem around their homegrown superstar. With owner Mat Ishbia "ride or die" committed to Booker, every roster move and strategic adjustment must serve the goal of maximizing his generational talent. Whether that means Booker refining his three-point shot, focusing on playmaking, or finding the perfect balance between the two could determine whether Phoenix's championship window stays open or begins to close.