Devin Booker: A Battle Cry for Phoenix Suns’ Championship Dreams

DETROIT — Dressed in Detroit Tigers attire, Devin Booker took a detour before the Phoenix Suns’ preseason opener on Sunday.

Prior to heading to Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Pistons, the three-time All-Star guard visited Ford Field for the first time to watch the Detroit Lions host the Carolina Panthers. After mingling with NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, his “all-time favorite player,” and NBA legend Isiah Thomas, the Michigan native left with added motivation as he enters his ninth NBA season in pursuit of his inaugural championship.

“After my Finals experience and coming up short, it’s no secret that we’re hungry for a championship,” Booker told ESPN while leaving Ford Field during the first quarter to prepare for the Pistons game. “We have an abundance of talent, with a championship-winning coach. We’re all on the same page. We’ll enjoy the journey, but we’re fully focused on the ultimate goal.”

Booker, 26, confessed that his heart was racing after the Michigan experience, especially as he exited Ford Field alongside Thomas. The Pistons legend also predicts a standout season from Booker.

“Over the past few years, he’s had MVP-caliber performances, and I hope this year everyone acknowledges his MVP status. His playoff performances speak for themselves,” Thomas told ESPN. “And as a person, you won’t find anyone better. He embodies everything you want in a superstar, both on and off the court.”

Coming off a career-best season where he averaged 27.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, Booker is eager for success with the revamped Suns, who have added Bradley Beal and coach Frank Vogel as they chase their first NBA title.

Throughout his career, Booker has shown his love for his home state and its sports teams by wearing various jerseys and fan gear during public appearances.

Attending a Lions home game was a childhood dream come true for him.

“It’s something I always wanted to do as a kid. Detroit sports are a huge part of my life,” Booker said. “I’ve been a fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers — and of course, the Lions. It brings me back to my roots and how I grew up. Every Sunday was always family time, watching the Lions game together.”

Having experienced tough seasons in the early stages of his career with the Suns, culminating in reaching the NBA Finals in 2022, Booker is hoping for a change in the narrative surrounding his favorite NFL team, the Lions, drawing parallels to his own professional journey.

“Absolutely, because that’s how my career has been. We’ve been at the bottom for a while, both for Phoenix and the Lions. To witness the change in culture and environment, with Coach [Dan Campbell] coming in — you can feel it,” Booker said.