Devin Booker is producing like a franchise centerpiece, and the Suns sit 10th at 1-1. The question is whether the $213.8M roster around him can give him enough help, starting Monday in Oklahoma City.
The case for Booker. Booker averages 33.0 points in 33.0 minutes through two games. He put up 43 on 17-of-25 shooting against Golden State, which the team's own account called the most by a Sun in a home opener. He is signed through 2029-30. The star half of the equation is settled.
The case against. Three days before that, Phoenix lost 83-124 at Portland. Booker's 23 and Dillon Brooks's 10 were the only double figures on record. Miles Bridges averages 12.0 points on 20.0 percent three-point shooting, and Jalen Green averages 11.0. The supporting cast has not matched its price tag.
What the money buys. Payroll is $213.8M, above the first apron and the $200.4M tax line. Booker takes $57.1M, Green $36.3M, Bridges $22.8M and Brooks $20.0M. Center Mark Williams has not played, and his listed return date is Feb. 3, 2027. That is a lot of cap for a thin rotation.
The bench carried the floor. Against the Warriors, Collin Gillespie handed out 9 assists at plus-16. Luke Kennard hit 3 of 5 from deep in 18 minutes at plus-15, and Jordan Goodwin finished plus-13. Green finished at -16 over 26 minutes. The reserves looked steadier than the starting backcourt.
A rotation in motion. Five players left the roster Oct. 18 and 19. Drew Timme joined, and reports say Duop Reath is being converted to a two-way contract. Oso Ighodaro's oblique and torso issue now reads day-to-day after Saturday's out listing. Depth is churning just when Phoenix needs it settled.
Our read. Booker is enough to win a night like Saturday and not enough to cover a night like Portland. A 10th seed at 1-1, with a pace that projects to 41-41, fits a roster priced above its production. Until the starters around him shoot better, the answer is not yet.
How is Devin Booker playing for the Suns this season?
Booker averages 33.0 points through two games. He scored 43 against the Warriors on Oct. 24 in a 131-122 win.
Where are the Suns in the Western Conference standings?
The Suns are 1-1 and 10th in the West, a game behind the sixth-place Timberwolves at 2-0.
