If you noticed Devin Booker has been getting a little quieter in court recently, there may be a reason for that. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reportedly “shocked” Booker with requests to talk less during the game, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.
According to Haynes, Budenholzer called the Star Suns Guard into the office a few weeks ago, and he told him he was “too loud” between the court and huddles, and asked the coach to “tone down” to tell him.
The report contextualized comments Booker made after the Suns’ defeat to the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday, with security guards advocating “constant communication” as what Phoenix lacked.
When asked about his complaints about his post-match complaints about not implementing the game plan, Booker said, “It was the story of the season so far.”
“We can talk a little more and fix it,” Booker said. “() When things get tough, we’re quiet as a team and from my experiences and what I’ve seen, that’s not a way to get through it.”
Booker said he hopes everyone is on the same page in the courthouse.
“It’s continuous communication. I’m not the two of them tell each other the wrong things rather than anyone talking,” he added. “It’s like a job or a group project you do. You have to do it together.”
When asked if he felt he could do anything to improve, Booker biased some of that responsibility. The 28-year-old security guard scored 36 points in defeat, earning both teams.
“Yeah, I always look at myself first,” Booker said, then paused. “But I’ll talk a lot too.”
Booker has spent his entire NBA career with Phoenix and has been at the heart of the team for a long time. He currently averages 26.4 points per game. This is 6.8 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, plus second in the team behind Kevin Durant, who averages 26.9.
Due to losses on Thursday, the Suns are now 27-32, losing 10 of their last 12 games. Phoenix will once again face the 16-43 Pelicans at home on Friday.
