It's one of the starkest contrasts in basketball. Devin Booker, age 19, NBA rookie. Tyson Chandler, age 33, 15-year veteran.
The relationship and bond between grizzled vets and baby-faced newcomers is a widely acknowledged one, but it has never been captured in finite detail. Until now.
Suns Ring of Honor member Steve Nash, whose passion for film-making is well known, decided to delve deep into the Suns' unique pairing of one of the most accomplished big men in basketball and the youngest player in the league. The result: a four-episode series titled Rookie/Vet that shows raw interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of two Suns at very different points in their respective careers.
Nash executive produced the series on behalf of The Players' Tribune, the platform on which athletes connect directly with their fans in their own words. In this case, the words come directly from Chandler and Booker, who expound on their feelings and experiences at various points throughout the season.
Chandler, drafted second overall in 2001, sees himself becoming more and more like his old Chicago Bulls veteran teammates who helped him get acclimated with the NBA play and lifestyle.
"I hear Charles Oakley in my ear," he says. "I hear Scottie Pippen, Antonio Davis, Othella Harrington, Jalen Rose. I hear those guys and now I understand what they were talking about."
While Chandler muses about what has been and what he hopes to impart during the twilight years of his career, Booker exudes the hopes and confidence of one whose NBA path lies entirely in front of him.
"I always wanted to be an NBA player," Booker said. "That's your ultimate goal, but once you realize that you get here, you have to make a career here. I'm going to take advantage of my opportunities, but when I get out there, they're going to remember me."
You can watch Episode 1 of Rookie/Vet below.