Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are overachieving comparative to expectations entering the season thanks in part to Devin Booker stepping as the leader. Booker had more responsibility placed on his shoulders after the Suns traded away both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to give up on last season’s “big three” experiment. Most view Booker as an obvious All-Star for both his team’s success improving from last season and for his individual greatness.
It is a surprising twist that Booker is currently ranked 17th in the Western Conference All-Star voting. Booker shared his thoughts on getting snubbed in the fan vote, via AZ Central:
“It’s fan voting. There are some super big market teams. There are guys from different countries that have a whole country behind them. I kind of understand the process, but am I playing better than a lot of guys? For sure, but that’s not the setup.”
Fair play to Booker for giving honest and accurate answers about why he is not doing well in the fan voting. Only the top five picks will get slotted via a mix of fans, players, and media all voting respectively. Booker referenced the truth about players with teams in big markets or with international fan bases having a better chance than he does.
Which Players Is Devin Booker Referencing?
Booker made it clear that a number of players above him in voting are not playing better basketball than he is right now. The names in question are those to benefit from fan voting more than their production on the court. Quite a few players stand out for having the benefit of a popular team or an entire country supporting them.
Deni Avdija, Alperen Sengun, and Jamal Murray have a lot of votes coming in from their respective countries. Booker being just another great American player doesn’t help his cause compared to players that have their international fan bases proudly representing them.
Austin Reaves, Anthony Davis, and James Harden are some other names above Booker that are playing in larger markets for fan votes. Booker leading a flawed roster to their best-case season does help his cause, but most of the names in the top 20 do have an argument for votes.
Will Devin Booker Get Selected?
Booker is almost an automatic lock to get selected to the 2026 All-Star Game. No one expected Booker to win a top five voting slot in an all-time great Western Conference full of MVP candidates at the top of the standings.
However, it becomes apparent that Booker will get voted into the reserves via the media once forecasting the rest. Most of the reserves will see the players leading winning teams and succeeding with extra responsibility getting the credit for their accomplishments. A few players may get reserve spots easier than Booker, but he has a very high chance.
Phoenix’s team success contending against teams with higher expectations for seeding purposes will see Booker rewarded. The Suns starting a losing streak to fall in the standings or Booker getting injured are the only risks that could see him completely snubbed.