The 2025-26 NBA season is nearly underway, and while the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder open against the Houston Rockets tonight, the Phoenix Suns will tip off their season Wednesday at home against Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings.
After a turbulent offseason filled with major roster changes, all eyes are once again on Devin Booker and how far he can carry this new-look Suns team. Phoenix made headlines in July when it traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, acquiring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 overall pick, which became Duke center Khaman Maluach. The Suns also added another former Blue Devil in center Mark Williams, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets.
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With a new cast surrounding him, Booker enters the season with lofty expectations — including from one of the league’s biggest stars. Ahead of opening week, LeBron James offered glowing praise for the Suns guard.
“I love watching Book as well. I’m a big Devin Booker fan, obviously,” James said. “We won a gold medal together. He’s one of my favorite people in the league.”
High praise from the four-time MVP underscores the respect Booker has earned around the league, despite Phoenix’s poor performances in recent seasons.
Last year, Booker averaged 25.6 points and a career-high 7.1 assists per game, ranking ninth in scoring leaguewide and fifth in the Western Conference behind Durant, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Phoenix hopes that Booker’s leadership — alongside Green’s athleticism and Brooks’ defensive intensity — will be enough to push them back into playoff contention.