The Suns’ star guard has more to accomplish
Here is what Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker said after the team’s practice on Wednesday at the Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
On being selected to represent the United States:
“There’s no other thing like it. They did a great job of surprising us and popping up in Minnesota. We had no idea when we walk in the room, and (former Suns forward) [Grant Hill] is there and the jerseys are there. I’m excited about the experience. Obviously, the roster’s came out now. It’s star-studded with some legends of the game that weren’t part of it last time around.”
On Anthony Edwards:
“It’s the playoffs. It’s just, Minnesota versus Phoenix, right now. I’d say Ant’s not up-and-coming anymore. He’s somebody that’s here, somebody that had a hell of a season this year and led his team to a top seed in the West. It’s a tough matchup, and it’s going to take a collective whole to slow him down and just try to make him as inefficient as possible.”
On Kevin Young accepting the head-coaching job at BYU:
“KYU. I’m excited for him and his family. Somebody that I’ve developed a great relationship with, somebody that I wish I could play college basketball for or have somebody like him recruit me.
“Just a real one. Somebody that I pick his brain often.”
On last year’s playoff run:
“We’re just learning on the fly. I think we did a pretty good job. Denver was a tough team, they’re a well-oiled machine that’s played with each other for a long time, so that’s kind of opposite of what we were going through.
“We just had a whole season.”
On his playoff career to this point:
“That’s for everybody else. I haven’t won a ring yet, that’s the ultimate goal. Obviously had some moments, two games short of the goal. Being that close with a lot of career left, gives me something to fight for and strive for.”
On Grayson Allen:
“Super important. We’re one of those teams that are going to have experience playing with each other now. Everything Grayson got, he deserved and earned. So it was a happy day for all of us yesterday, congratulating [Young], congratulating Grayson on top of clinching the playoffs. It was a good day for us to reflect and see the direction we’re going in. Now, we’re all on the same page to lock in and get some wins.”