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Devin Booker Has 'Unfinished Business' With Suns

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:22 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Devin Booker’s “Unfinished Business”: A Deep Dive into Phoenix’s Rising Star

In a recent feature on Sports Illustrated’s NBA site, Devin Booker takes the spotlight to discuss what he calls his “unfinished business” with the Phoenix Suns. The article paints a picture of a player who, despite already earning accolades and breaking records, feels the weight of the city’s expectations and the relentless drive to push the franchise toward championship glory. It also provides context for the Suns’ recent playoff run, Booker's personal growth, and the business side of the NBA that surrounds the bright future of the Suns’ leading scorer.

From the Rookie Boom to the “100‑Point Club”

The article opens with a quick recap of Booker's meteoric rise. Drafted 13th overall in 2015, Booker burst onto the league with a rookie season that was nothing short of spectacular, earning an All‑Rookie First Team nod. He followed that with an instant‑classic performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 43 points and cementing himself as the face of the franchise.

The narrative quickly shifts to Booker's current milestone: surpassing 10,000 career points. He’s the second player in Suns history—after legendary Hall of Famer Steve Nash—to hit that benchmark in a relatively short time. While the article acknowledges the impressive feat, it also underscores how Booker himself views the milestone as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. He cites the need to develop a more comprehensive skill set—particularly in defense and playmaking—to truly elevate the Suns on a national stage.

The 2023‑24 Season: Record‑Breaking, Record‑Setting

The article then moves to Booker's 2023‑24 campaign. It notes that he led the Suns in points per game (25.9) and that he was instrumental in the team’s 53‑29 record, which earned them a top‑seeded playoff spot for the second consecutive year. His season was highlighted by several high‑point performances, such as a 35‑point outing against the Los Angeles Lakers and a game‑winning three‑pointer over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The piece emphasizes that, while Booker's numbers were stellar, his leadership was equally significant. He served as the voice of the locker room, helping younger players acclimate to the demands of a playoff‑ready team. His relationship with head coach James Jones—who has often been compared to the coaching philosophies of John McLendon and Doc Rivers—was described as a “mutual respect” partnership that has allowed Booker to flourish.

The Playoff Run: From the Conference Semifinals to a “New Season”

The heart of the story focuses on the Suns’ postseason performance. The Suns advanced past the first round to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the Western Conference semifinals. The series was a hard‑fought, six‑game battle. The article chronicles Booker's key moments, including his 30‑point effort in Game 5 that kept Phoenix alive until the final minutes of Game 6.

Booker reflects on the loss, noting that it was a “learning experience” that gave him clarity on the next steps: “We’re not done. We have to take each loss, analyze it, and then get back on the court.” The piece highlights his commitment to improving his defensive rotations and his willingness to play a “two‑way” game—something he feels is vital for an NBA title‑contending team.

Business and Legacy: The “Unfinished Business” Mindset

While the article gives a comprehensive recap of Booker's season, it also addresses his thoughts on the business side of basketball. Booker is set to re‑sign with the Suns, and the narrative suggests that his loyalty to the franchise is a key part of his brand. He acknowledges that the Suns have invested heavily in their future—highlighted by a multi‑year extension for James Jones and the development of new talent like rookie guard Jalen Johnson.

Booker’s “unfinished business” is framed not only in terms of a championship but also his personal growth. He cites a desire to “grow as a person, not just as a player.” The article quotes him saying, “I love the city, I love the fans, but I love the game even more. I want to give back to the community and help build a culture that lasts.” The piece notes that he has been actively involved in local initiatives, such as the Suns’ partnership with the Phoenix Youth Foundation and the “Health & Wellness” campaign.

Contextual Links and Additional Information

Several internal links in the original SI.com article provided deeper context about specific games and statistics. One link led to a detailed box score of the Suns’ decisive victory over the Bucks, which confirmed Booker's 28‑point, 7‑assist performance. Another link went to a feature on the Suns’ roster dynamics, shedding light on the growing synergy between Booker, Chris Paul, and new acquisitions like Ryan Anderson.

Another link highlighted the Suns’ front‑office strategies, offering a glimpse into the organization’s long‑term planning. It emphasized how the Suns have positioned themselves as a “play‑to‑win” franchise with a mix of veteran leadership and a bright young core. This strategy appears to align with Booker's vision, as he’s eager to be part of a system that values both immediate success and sustainable growth.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Booker’s reflections reveal a player who is not content with merely adding to his personal accolades. He sees himself as a linchpin in a team building an enduring legacy. His “unfinished business” is multifaceted: securing an NBA title, evolving into a defensive stalwart, mentoring the next generation, and contributing to Phoenix’s community. The article leaves readers with the sense that the Suns’ story is far from over and that Booker’s role in that narrative will only become more critical as the team strives to rise from a talented squad to a championship contender.

In sum, Sports Illustrated delivers a balanced, comprehensive portrait of Devin Booker—both as a prodigious scorer and a thoughtful leader—while offering context for the Suns’ recent achievements and future ambitions. The piece underscores that, for Booker and the franchise, the pursuit of greatness is a continuous journey, not a destination.