Devin Booker has earned his fair share of praises for his stellar performances on the NBA courts. The 26-year-old Phoenix Suns’ star has led his team from the front since being drafted in 2015.
With his ever-growing popularity and laudable on-court repertoire, Booker has evolved into one of the biggest stars active in the league. Hence it is no surprise when the shooting guard is often linked to big names who previously dominated the NBA. But to be compared with Late Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant is perhaps something new for the Suns’ ace.
Devin Booker embodies “Mamba Mentality” like Kobe
Kobe Bryant’s influence still has an impact on the league in terms of the legacy of his sport. Recently, TV commentator and analyst Stephen A. Smith analyzed today’s NBA stars to find parallels with Black Mamba repertoire.
As per Smith, Devin Booker is the only NBA star who plays the game similarly to the five-time NBA Champion. In a recent episode of “Club Shay Shay,” Smith, along with his new “First Take” co-host, Shannon Sharpe, had to decide between Booker and Butler regarding who embodies the Mamba Mentality better.
Smith said “Jimmy Butler works, but the difference between Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker is Jimmy Butler doesn’t care that much about offense until the postseason arrives. Kobe cared about it all the time, and Devin Booker cares about it all the time.”
Stephen A. Smith praising Devin Booker đ„đ«Ą pic.twitter.com/4oaDzyyz8v
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) September 5, 2023
Surely both Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker are unique in terms of their talents. As Butler focuses more defensively, Booker is more focused offensively. However, Booker’s playing style could have been influenced by Kobe due to his admiration for the late Lakers’ legend who seemed to be the model for almost every modern NBA star.
How long is Booker’s contract with Suns?
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker signed a massive contract extension worth $224 million over four years. This new contract will see him play for the Suns until the end of the 2027-2028 season. The four-year deal comes with 222,656,000 guaranteed at signing and an annual average salary of $55,664,000.
He has been the face of the Suns franchise since they drafted him 13th overall in the summer of 2015. Now, he’s committed to staying with Phoenix until at least the 2027-28 season thanks to this four-year extension. This extension will only come into effect once his current contract expires after the 2023-24 season.
Booker played an important role in leading the Suns, alongside future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, to the NBA finals in 2021. During the past season Booker had impressive stats, averaging 26.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. This performance earned him his third consecutive All-Star selection and a fourth-place finish in the Most Valuable Player Award voting.
Who do you think has the mamba mentality between Booker and Butler? Please share your take with us in the comment section.
