Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker ready to erupt after six-year playoff wait

Ahead of Game 1 of the Suns vs. Lakers series, Suns legends Dan Majerle and Charles Barkley teamed up to bring the postseason hype back to Phoenix. Arizona Republic

He’s waited six years for this singular moment.

The home crowd is screaming and roaring. The music is thumping and pumping.

He’s making his traditional walk along the sideline, points to the sky and finds his position at center court inside a rocking Phoenix Suns Arena.

The playoffs are no longer a wishful dream for Devin Booker.

They are finally a confirmed reality.

“It’s been a long journey since I’ve been here,” Booker said. “A full six years to get to this point and I know it’s been even longer for the city of Phoenix and this organization to get to this point. So I don’t want to take these opportunities for granted. We gave the fans what they wanted with a playoff berth and now, we want to give them even more of what they asked for.” 

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) points upwards before playing against the LA Clippers in Phoenix April 28, 2021.

 (Photo: Michael Chow, The Arizona Republic)

He’s bringing his family, his supporters and naysayers to the court.

He’s bringing years of frustration from losing season after losing season.

He’s bringing the fans who have stood by him from Day 1, win or lose.

He’s bringing the Mamba mentality Kobe Bryant blessed him with in challenging him to “Be Legendary.”  

Healthy and hungry, Booker is so ready to get these playoffs started.

His teammates know how much it means to him.

“He’s finally getting to play some meaningful basketball. A chance to play for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. That’s what it’s all about. He’s done a good job of staying the course over the years and now it’s paying off for him and the organization,” Jae Crowder said. “It’s great to see him get to where he needs to be and that’s an elite talent playing for it all. That’s an elite talent playing at the highest level of basketball that there is to play. I’m happy for him, I’m with it and I’m ready to get going with him.”  

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates his three pointer with guard Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, April 12, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York).

 (Photo: Matt York, AP)

His first postseason challenge is as tough and as real as it gets.

The Los Angeles Lakers. The defending NBA champions in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs Sunday.

LeBron James. This generation’s G.O.A.T.

Anthony Davis. Arguably the league’s best big man.

The mighty Lakers immediately stand in the way of Booker making his first playoff run a deep one.

“They’re one of the biggest teams we’re going to play against,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “Not only that, they have maybe the greatest athlete we’ve ever seen in sports who has a high IQ and continues to defy the odds as it relates to longevity and athleticism. All the stuff that we talk about and another Hall of Fame player in Anthony. We know who they are. We respect what they’ve done. They’re the defending champs.”  

Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, LeBron James, center, and Quinn Cook show their championship rings before the team’s NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez).

 (Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP)

Booker will either come out on fire hitting everything or misfiring with an expected case of the jitters.

Emotions will be high. They’re supposed to be.

He’s gone from being drafted 13th overall in 2015 as a piece to the Phoenix puzzle to becoming the centerpiece of a team that has the second-best record in the league.

The Valley welcomed him with open arms and rode with him through the countless defeats, 70-point night in Boston, the injuries, long-overdue All-Star nod and ‘M-V-P ‘chants.

Now their No. 1 finally has the Suns back in the playoffs after an 11-year drought.

“The son of the Valley. I know every real Suns’ fan is really happy for my boy. Seeing the type of work Book was putting in my rookie year, and even watching him before I got here,” Deandre Ayton said. “Seeing the type of success and individual accolades and recognition he’s finally getting, it’s a great feeling, man. Just seeing how much work he put in and how he really respects the game.”  

Feb 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns players huddle during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic.

 (Photo: Michael Chow)

The Suns went from trying to build a team around him to establishing a culture he and his teammates can embrace, live by and grow within.

No more rebuilds with just young players. Acquire veterans with professionalism.

They hired Williams, who loves, praises, empowers and challenges him.

They drafted and developed Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. 

They signed Crowder and finally got serious about their need at point guard by trading for one of the all-time greats at that position.

Chris Paul.

“I came here because of Book. You know what I mean? Don’t make any mistake about that. Like, I came to Phoenix because of Book and it’s because of who Book is the way that he plays and the way he channels his energy,” said Paul, who came to Phoenix from Oklahoma City in a blockbuster deal.

Chris Paul, left, of the Phoenix Suns celebrates his 3-point shot with teammate Devin Booker, right, in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in New York. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP).

 (Photo: Elsa, Getty Images)

Booker is closer to his teammates than ever before.

Playing big-chip card games with Paul, Crowder and Torrey Craig while flying 30,000 feet to and from games.

He’s had the team over to the house to hang out.

He cheers for his teammates at a different level now.

The one with incredible individual talent is truly a team player.

“You look around the league at some teams, and not everybody has a vibe like this or an energy like this throughout. I always say it’s a great environment to get better in,” Booker said.

Phoenix Suns’ Cam Johnson (23) Devin Booker (1) and Chris Paul (3) celebrate Johnson’s last-second 3-pointer to end the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb).

 (Photo: Darryl Webb, AP)

He’s more grown up at age 24.

No longer 18 years old in a grown man’s league.

Immaturity has run its course. True professionalism has kicked in.

He’s taking better care of his body. Improved his diet.

His former teammates have noticed the change for the better.

“The biggest thing is maturity. You look at his body. Devin Booker is lean. You can tell the way that he’s eating, the way he’s carrying himself. He’s a pro now. He wasn’t a pro when he first came in. He just made it to the NBA. It’s different. He had to go through his fun, hanging out, who are his friends, what he’s doing off the court,” said former Suns teammate, Lakers forward Jared Dudley.

“Now you see he’s kind of in a relationship. He’s locked in. He keeps more to himself. He’s not out like he used to be. He’s just more mature. The biggest thing about his maturity, you can tell by his body. That man, I told him, and he looked good. He’s like, ‘Man, I’m locked in.’ You can tell and I’m happy for him.”

Apr 26, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates his dunk in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

 (Photo: Elsa, POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports)

He has earned the respect of his peers and now inspires the newcomers.

Made believers out of those who questioned and doubted him.

His game winner over the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Clippers burst the bubble on the notion he can’t handle double teams. 

He still plays with a chip that can boil all over the referees. 

His struggle has been real, but one that’s shaped him into the player who has Phoenix back where it belongs.

“I’m enjoying the journey, I’m enjoying the process,” Booker said. “Always remember what it was in the past and that’s motivation to keep going and having fun with it.”

May 5, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

 (Photo: Jason Getz, Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

Now the time has come for him to start writing a new chapter titled, “Playoffs.”

He’ll have highs and lows, splash 3s and commit turnovers.

He’ll make great plays and untimely mistakes, smile after a priceless moment, scream at a ref and scowl after an ”And-1.”

He’s about to find out why the playoffs are different than the regular season.

Devin Booker is finally at center court ready to play in the biggest game of his life on Sunday — until Game 2 Tuesday.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s what I’ve been waiting on,” he said. “It’s what we’ve been talking about. We’ve put a lot of extreme work into it to get to this point. It’s an exciting time.” 

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

Support local journalism. Start your online subscription.