Devin Booker was hoping to get drafted by the Miami Heat: "We're looking for a Klay Thompson-type player"

Devin Booker has been the Phoenix Suns' main man since joining the team in 2015. D-Book has led the Suns to many playoff battles, including the 2022 NBA Finals, where they came within two wins away from winning the franchise's first NBA title.

But as successful as he's become in the Valley of the Suns, Booker admitted that he did not expect to play in Phoenix. That's because, during his pre-draft workouts, he thought his best fit was with an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

"Miami is where I was hoping because Miami was my best workout," Booker said on The Backyard Podcast with D'Angelo Russell. "And then I remember Pat Riley, he did an interview, and he's like, 'We're looking for a Klay Thompson-type player. We need to up our shooting. I just shot 40 percent in college. I'm like, 'Oh yeah, I'm looking at spots right down there by the arena.'"

Justise Winslow over D-Book

Booker was the Suns' 13th overall pick in 2015. Meanwhile, Miami picked 10th in that Draft but decided to go with another freshman—Justice Winslow from Duke.

Devin ended up getting passed on by the Indiana Pacers, who went with Myles Turner, and the Utah Jazz, who picked Trey Lyles. D-Book was Phoenix's last lottery pick. Looking back, the University of Kentucky product ended up becoming one of the best 13th picks in NBA history .

"The draft is crazy, though, man," added the four-time NBA All-Star. "Your life changes like that, and you have no control over it, really."

Winslow's underwhelming run

Winslow had a decent rookie season and was named to the All-Rookie second team. He also had a decent five-year tenure in Miami, averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. However, the forward never lived up to his potential and was traded in 2020.

After getting dealt to Memphis, Winslow bounced around the league with injury woes. Last year, he signed to play for the Raptors 905 team in the G League, hoping to get another path back to the NBA.

Meanwhile, Booker has thrived with the Suns and loves Phoenix as much as the city loves him. He made the All-NBA third team this past season and earned a spot on the U.S. men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, where he's impressed with his two-way presence.

Related: Steve Kerr on why Devin Booker has started every game for Team USA: "He's probably been the guy who's been most adaptable"