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Devin Booker has already hit many career milestones and accomplishments throughout his short NBA career, but could MVP be next for his taking? Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer labeled the young Sun a sleeper to finish atop the 2018-19 MVP race.

O’Connor began his piece touching on the improvements Booker has shown throughout his first three seasons. He has consistently improved in each of the three key statistics (points, rebounds and assists) in every year of his career.

If 2017-18 wasn’t considered Booker’s breakout season, O’Connor believes that this year could be. 

“Last season, Booker became only the 11th player to average over 24 points before turning 22 years old,” O’Connor said. “LeBron James and Kevin Durant did it twice, and the five retired players who did it all made the Hall of Fame. It’s a good sign for Booker.”

Not only does O’Connor see more improvements in Booker’s future, but he believes that Booker now has the surrounding pieces to help him reach the next level of his career. 

“The Suns loaded up their roster with versatile wings who can shoot and switch screens and drafted rookie center Deandre Ayton, who can space the floor to the 3-point line,” O’Connor said.

While Booker was looked at as solely a pure shooter coming out of Kentucky, O’Connor thinks his “drastically improved” ball handling could be the key to his success.

“He’s crafty once he gets in the lane, utilizing floaters and off-balance layups,” O’Connor said. “If a shot isn’t available, he’s a willing, capable passer.”

This combo-guard mentality is helping draw the comparison from Booker to the 2017-18 MVP, James Harden.

“The mold for Booker should be James Harden,” O’Connor said. “If the Suns space the floor and Booker runs a heavy dose of pick-and-roll, then he’ll naturally end up isolating against slower players on a switch, much like Harden does. Then it’s on Booker to finish the job.”

Booker looks poised to shine yet again for Suns in 2018 as he’s spent the summer working out with Team USA as well as developing his NBA body.

The 21-year-old put on quite a performance to start the Suns season. Booker caught fire during clutch time, scoring 19 points in just the fourth quarter as he was greeted by chants of “MVP” each time he stepped to the free throw line.

He finished the first game of the year with 35 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

O’Connor took to Twitter following the game.

“Devin Booker has improved drastically in each season of his career,” O’Connor said. “If tonight is any indication, another leap is coming. The Suns should soon be a very competitive team for a very long time now that Booker is paired with Deandre Ayton. The Booker-Ayton duo can be special.”

While it’s only the first game of the season, the excitement around the Booker and the Suns continues to grow. If Booker can continue producing performances like opening night, not only can he earn All-Star recognition, but MVP might not be far away.

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Devin Booker Listed as a 2018 MVP Sleeper by The Ringer

A familiar name appeared on the list when the Suns and Head Coach Igor Kokoškov announced their coaching staff. From the Sun Devils to the Suns, Jamelle McMillan has returned to the Valley in a role that many knew he’d soon fill.

Prior to becoming an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans, McMillan spent his college career in the Valley playing four years at Arizona State University from 2007-2011. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the NCAA Tournament in 2009 and finished his career tied for the most wins by any four-year player in school history with 80 victories.

As the son of current Pacers’ Head Coach Nate McMillan, it was clear early on that Jamelle was on the path to coaching. In 2009, Jamelle may have only been a junior in college, but the Arizona Republic was already writing about his future career path.

“McMillan hopes to one day follow his father, Nate, and coach in the NBA,” Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic wrote. “Talk to McMillan long enough, and it’s clear he’s on his way.”

McMillan was a floor general for the Sun Devils as he led the Pac-10 with a 2.68 assist-to-turnover ratio in 2010-11. He is now taking that leadership to the sidelines.

"Whether you're a player or a coach or a GM, it's about how much you're willing to put into the job,” McMillan told NYDailyNews.com back in 2009. 

His early maturity, basketball IQ and effort on the court had the campus buzzing back then about what could be next for the young guard. 

“You know, the talk around Arizona State is that one day Jamelle McMillan will coach the Sun Devils,” Haller wrote.

While he might not be back at ASU, McMillan has returned to the Valley as one of the youngest assistant coaches in the NBA. The 29-year-old will work with Kokoškov and the Suns as they head into the 2018-19 season.

Don’t miss the Coca-Cola and Fry’s Food Stores Tip Off on October 17 as the Suns open up the season against the Dallas Mavericks. Click here to get your tickets!

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ASU's Jamelle McMillan Joins Suns Coaching Staff

After missing all of last season due to injury, Brandon Knight is back and looking forward to becoming a leader for the Suns young core. The 26-year-old point guard used the time off the court as a learning experience to help build his leadership skills.

“When you can’t play, you can’t affect the game on the court,” Knight said. “I just found other ways to try to help my teammates be better. Whether that be telling tidbits I saw that I observed. I just tried to be a veteran presence on our team and lead through that.”

This was the first time in his six-year career that Knight spent all 82 games on the sidelines, but it allowed for him to have a different perspective and see the game in a new view. 

“Very different because when you’re in the game, everything is coming at you quickly,” Knight said. “When you’re not playing, you kind of get a chance to slow down and really just observe everything that’s going on as a whole. I think it allows you to see things differently.” 

While the injury was devastating, Knight made the most of what he was still able to do to keep improving and get better. 

“That’s really the biggest thing,” Knight said. “Just try to grow off the court as an individual and try to help the team.”

Knight is just two years removed from his highest scoring average of his career (19.6 ppg) and is ready to get back on the court. 

“I’ve been excited since December, when I started running. I’m looking forward to it. I’m very excited about it,” Knight said.

Most players in the offseason take some time away from basketball, but Knight has an opposite mindset from the norm. 

“They’re ready for a break and I’m ready to get going already,” Knight said. “It’s all about us improving and trying to do what’s best here in Phoenix and give the fans what they deserve.”

With Booker now locked-up next to T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson, as well as the addition of pieces like Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, Knight is ready to team up with the young core and build something special in Phoenix. 

“I already know how I can help and how I can play with them. I know their strengths and weaknesses just from watching them all season,” Knight said. “Hopefully it will be quick building chemistry with them once I get back in, once I get back playing.”

Fans will get a first look at Knight and the Suns at the Coca-Cola &amp; Fry’s Food Stores Tip Off against the Dallas Mavericks on October 17 at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Click here to get your tickets now! 

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Brandon Knight Returns with Renewed Focus on Leadership

KEY MATCHUP: First Overall vs Third Overall

BREAKDOWN: There was much debate around draft time between Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic, but fans won’t have to wait long to see the two face-off. The Coca-Cola &amp; Fry’s Food Stores Tip Off will feature both rookies taking the court. While Ayton and Doncic may not matchup throughout the game, it will provide an inside look at the future of the NBA.

KEY MATCHUP: Devin Booker vs James Harden

BREAKDOWN: The more Devin Booker develops his playmaking ability, the more comparisons he receives to a young James Harden. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer compared the two shooting guards saying that Booker’s “drastically improved” ball handling should help him mold into a Harden-type combo guard. The two will be able to show off their offensive skillsets as they battle it out on February 4th.

KEY MATCHUP: Josh Jackson vs Kevin Durant

BREAKDOWN: The back-to-back champs return to the Valley, but sophomore Josh Jackson has proven he won’t back down to the competition. Jackson has averaged 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three games against the Warriors. The defensive-minded wing will have quite the matchup as he goes head-to-head against Finals MVP Kevin Durant.

KEY MATCHUP: Trevor Ariza vs LeBron James

BREAKDOWN: Trevor Ariza is no stranger to Los Angeles after winning the 2009 NBA Finals as a member of the Lakers. Drafted just one year after LeBron James, the two have battled it out over the past 14 seasons. James and the Lakers will come to town on October 24th as the two rivaled franchises will tip-off for the 308th time.

KEY MATCHUP: Deandre Ayton vs Joel Embiid

BREAKDOWN: Size, athleticism, finesse. The evolution of the modern day center has turned into one of the newest trends in the NBA. The matchup between the Suns and 76ers will feature two prime examples of the new big man. Deandre Ayton and Joel Embiid not only match up in size, but their skillset should make for quite the showdown in the desert. 

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2018-19 Phoenix Suns Must-See Matchups

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How Well Do You Know the Suns Rookies?

“Consistency.” “Veteran.” “Leader.”

It is very clear from the start that Trevor Ariza brings so much to the table every time he steps on the court, and it is for that reason that he is the perfect addition to this current Suns roster. 

Phoenix has one of the youngest rosters in the entire NBA and Ariza, 33, not only helps even out the team’s average age, but also brings quality-logged minutes with him. Since being drafted 43rd overall in 2004, Ariza has been to the playoffs nine times and won an NBA championship in 2009.

“Not only being a veteran voice,” former NBA GM David Griffin said. “He’s going to play 30 minutes a game and he’s going to lead by example. That’s a true meaningful thing for a young team. They got a great fit for that roster.”

The 6’8” wing has often been overlooked throughout his career, but his contributions to his teams’ successes can not be ignored. Through his defense and spot-up shooting, Ariza provides so much while demanding so little on the court.

“Every year we include Trevor Ariza on SI's Top 100 NBA Players list,” SI.com’s Ben Golliver said. “And every year we get pushback from people who seem to undervalue what he brings to the table: consistency, team-first play on both sides of the ball, shooting and basketball intelligence.” 

Golliver went on to talk about how Ariza was a critical piece for the Rockets team that won 65 games last season. 

��He made life easier for James Harden on the defensive end while helping to keep the floor spaced on offense,” Golliver said. “He won't stop the ball, he won't commit silly turnovers and he won't try to do too much off the dribble.”

This signing provides the Suns with defense, hustle, three-point shooting and an on-court veteran that won’t demand the ball or stunt the development of the young core.

“He's a natural complementary player for the Devin Booker/Deandre Ayton offensive tandem,” Golliver said. “He should work well with Josh Jackson, as the Suns look to take advantage of their shared versatility on defense.”

Mikal Bridges drew many Ariza comparisons coming out of Villanova and now looks to have the perfect rookie-veteran apprenticeship at the NBA level. With that fit, coupled with the pairing of Tyson Chandler and Deandre Ayton, the Suns have found the ideal teachers for their rookies.

“I’m really, really excited about this offseason for the Phoenix Suns,” Griffin said.

Now it’s just time to put all the pieces together, incorporate Head Coach Igor Kokoškov’s gameplan, and take the court. 

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Trevor Ariza Brings Championship Pedigree to Phoenix

Matt Petersen

Eager for Suns basketball? Get a sneak peek of our newest rookies in action as they take the court alongside our young core. Also, receive an inside look into the mind of Head Coach Igor Kokoškov as he will be game-planning for the team out in Las Vegas. The Suns will be tested early as they tip-off against some of the top 2018 draft picks prior to the start of the tournament.  

DATE      OPPONENT         LOCATION                TIME                  Channel

July 6      Dallas                 Thomas &amp; Mack        6:30 p.m.           ESPN

July 7      Sacramento         Thomas &amp; Mack        4:30 p.m.          ESPN

July 9      Orlando               Thomas &amp; Mack        6:30 p.m.          NBA TV

Tournament play follows the three-game schedule. Teams are guaranteed at least five total games.

Arizona Sports will also be broadcasting all of the Suns games on ESPN 620 AM.

10            Shaquille Harrison

23            Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson

32            Davon Reed         

Assistant Coaches: Joe Prunty, Corliss Williamson, Jamelle McMillan, Jason Staudt

Director of Player Development: Cody Toppert

Player Development Coach: Devin Smith, Bret Burchard

Assistant Video Coordinator: Brandon Rosenthal

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Stanford Williams

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2018 Phoenix Suns Summer League Preview

Josh Jackson has made changes both physically and mentally in preparation for this year’s Summer League. While the new haircut may be what stands out at first sight, his mindset might be the bigger deal.

“I think that should be every second-year player’s plan to come out and show that they got better,” Jackson said. “I thought I did alright in Summer League last year, but obviously I want to come out and blow my last performance out of the water.”

Not only is Jackson hoping to shine himself, but he is also embracing the opportunity to become a leader for the young Suns.

“I come in here and I feel I know a lot more. I’m more experienced,” Jackson said. “Just coming out here and feeling like a leader a little bit. It’s really helping my confidence and just showing me I can get guys to follow me a little bit. That’s going to help me push my career forward.”

Deandre Ayton has already noticed Jackson take on his new role and has credited him for his help during Summer League mini-camp.

“He’s been helping me a lot with a lot of terminology, a lot of things with the plays especially on the defensive end,” Ayton said. “Just a lot of teaching processes he’s been telling me. He’ll just pull me over to the side.”

Jackson has stated that he had wanted to be a leader since he first came in the league, but knew it would take sometime to develop into that role. Summer League gives him the perfect opportunity to showcase what he has learned throughout his full year in the NBA. 

“Before I was kind of scared of taking that role because I felt I would be looking up to a lot of other guys,” Jackson said. “Whether it’s by example or just by talking, communication. I’m just trying to come out and lead my teammates.”

Jackson and the Summer Suns will take the court on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas. Catch the action on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. or listen in to Arizona Sports as they will be broadcasting the game on ESPN 620 AM.

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Jackson Embraces Leadership Role for Summer League

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