Devin Booker is still a work in progress

Devin Booker, 27, is still a work in progress.

When Booker entered the league out of Kentucky, most scouts projected him to be a JJ Redick- or Rashard Lewis-type player — a catch-and-shoot specialist who can make plays if needed. Few projected him to average 25 PPG by his third year as the team's No. 1 scoring option.

While he quickly joined the upper echelon of scorers, Booker had not earned his respect — not making an All-NBA Team until 2022 and being overlooked for All-Star teams until 2020. As Phoenix missed the playoffs in each of his first six seasons, Booker was labeled an "empty calories" scorer, perhaps unfairly.

The narrative began to change in 2021 when he (finally) ended his playoff drought, playing alongside Chris Paul while showing the ability to play defense and make winning plays. He was finally viewed as an all-around player, not just a volume scorer on a losing squad.

As we enter the 2024-2025 season, a brand-new version of Booker could take center stage for the Suns.

At the Paris Olympics, Booker was Team USA's unsung hero as he sacrificed shots to guard the opponent's best perimeter scorers, set screens, made hustle plays and did the little things to win. Think Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the title-winning Nuggets — that was Booker's role for Team USA.

Booker's two-way play earned him the praise of his teammates and coaches.

Booker will now take that newfound confidence — and skills of a role player — into the 2024-2025 season, where his Suns are projected to win just 46.5 games . However, if the Team USA version of Booker plays next to Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and a true point guard (something they didn't have last year), the Suns will be a handful.

By age 27, most basketball players reach their final form. Booker continues to evolve.