Introduction
Devin Booker is one of the brightest names in professional American basketball. Born on October 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he stands out as a shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. With a natural talent for shooting and an impressive ability to score in clutch moments, Booker has become an undisputed star in the league. His basketball journey began early, shaped by the influence of his father, former player Melvin Booker, and evolved into achievements that place him among the best scorers of today.
At 29 years old in November 2025, Booker continues to impress. He is known not only for his impressive on-court numbers but also for his dedication to the team and community. In this article, we explore his life, career, and the most recent moments that define his legacy. From his humble high school roots to Olympic victories and NBA records, Devin’s story inspires young athletes worldwide.
Early Life and Formation
Childhood in Grand Rapids
Devin Armani Booker was born into a sports-passionate family. His father, Melvin Booker, was a standout college guard at the University of Missouri, playing briefly in the NBA in the 1990s. His mother, Veronica Gutiérrez, works as a cosmetologist and is of Mexican descent, adding a rich cultural layer to Devin’s heritage. He grew up in Grand Rapids, a Michigan city known for its community spirit, but his parents’ divorce shaped a split childhood.
Devin spent school days with his mother and summers with his father in Mississippi. Those summers were intense: Melvin, retired from professional basketball, trained his son rigorously. “He taught me to read the game, not just run and jump,” Devin recalled in an interview years later. At 12, during a trip to Italy, he faced NBA player Danilo Gallinari in a one-on-one game. Despite the loss, the encounter ignited his passion for the sport. In high school, Devin already stood out, befriending future stars like D’Angelo Russell and Tyler Ulis.
High School and the Move to Mississippi
His freshman year was at Grandville High School in Michigan, but Devin decided to transfer to Moss Point High School in Mississippi to live with his father. Melvin became an assistant coach at the school, creating a daily training environment. As a freshman, Devin was still adapting, but in his sophomore year (2011-2012), he exploded: averaging 22.8 points per game and named South Mississippi Player of the Year. His highlights included a half-court buzzer-beater and a 54-point game that shocked local fans.
In his junior year (2012-2013), starting as point guard, he elevated his game: 29.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He won Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year and Division 7-5A MVP. His team went deep in the playoffs, but it was in his senior year (2013-2014) that Devin solidified as a local legend. Averaging 30.9 points, he became Moss Point’s all-time leading scorer with 2,518 career points. He was named to the USA Today Third Team All-USA, Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game MVP, and participated in the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic.
As a four-star recruit, ranked the 18th-best prospect by ESPN, Devin chose the University of Kentucky, a college basketball powerhouse. His decision was influenced by coach John Calipari, known for preparing players for the NBA.
College Career
A Memorable Season at Kentucky
Devin Booker arrived at Kentucky in 2014 as a promising freshman but not an immediate starter. The Wildcats were loaded with talent, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Tyler Ulis. In practices, Booker impressed with his long-range shooting, but his court time was limited to 21.5 minutes per game. Still, he delivered solid numbers: 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
His versatility shone in key games. In a win against Mississippi State, he scored 15 points, including three three-pointers. Booker won SEC Sixth Man of the Year, plus Second Team All-SEC and All-Freshman Team honors. Kentucky reached the 2015 NCAA Tournament semifinals but lost to Duke. Devin contributed 10 points in the game, showing maturity despite his youth.
After one season, he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft. “I feel ready for the next level,” he said at the time. His time at Kentucky was short but impactful, preparing him for professional challenges.
NBA Draft and Early Professional Years
Selection by the Phoenix Suns
In the 2015 Draft, Devin Booker was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns. At 18, he signed a rookie contract and joined a team in rebuild mode. His debut came against the Dallas Mavericks, where he scored 15 points. In his rookie season (2015-2016), he played 76 games, 51 as a starter, averaging 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
Booker shone at All-Star Weekend, competing in the Three-Point Contest as the youngest participant in history. His long-range shooting already drew attention. Off the court, he adapted to the Phoenix desert, a city that would become his home.
Sophomore Season and Historic Record
In 2016-2017, Booker took a leap: 22.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 78 games, all as a starter. He broke the Suns’ rookie record with six three-pointers in a game and became the youngest player to record back-to-back 39-point games. The iconic moment came on March 24, 2017, against the Boston Celtics: at 20 years old, he scored 70 points, a franchise record, with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. “It was surreal,” he commented after the game.
Despite team injuries, Booker showed leadership. He participated again in the Rising Stars Challenge and Skills Challenge. His evolution was clear: from prospect to rising star.
Rise to NBA Stardom
Consolidation Seasons and All-Star
The 2017-2018 season was injury-plagued, limiting him to 54 games, but he still averaged 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He scored 46 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and won the Three-Point Contest with a record 28 points. At 21, he reached 4,000 career points, the third-youngest in history.
In 2018-2019, he signed a five-year, $158 million extension. Averaged 26.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 64 games. He recorded back-to-back 50-point games (50 and 59 against the Utah Jazz), the youngest to do so. Reached 5,000 points, fifth-youngest.
The breakthrough came in 2019-2020: first All-Star, with 26.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 70 games. Broke the Suns’ record with seven straight 30+ point games and reached 7,000 career points. In the NBA “Bubble,” averaged 31 points in seeding games, named to the All-Seeding Games Team.
Playoffs and NBA Finals
In 2020-2021, he led the Suns to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, with 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 67 games. Replaced injured players in the All-Star and took the team to the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. In the playoffs, averaged 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 22 games, setting a playoff debut record with 601 points. Scored 47 points in Game 6 against the Lakers and two 40-point games in the Finals.
In 2021-2022, third straight All-Star, 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 68 games. First Team All-NBA after a 64-win season. In the playoffs, 23.3 points in 10 games, but a hamstring injury limited him.
The 2022-2023 season brought a four-year, $224 million extension. Averaged 27.8 points in 53 games, surpassing Steve Nash for most threes in Suns history. Scored 58 points in the regular season and averaged 33.7 points in the playoffs, tying the Suns’ record for 40-point games.
In 2023-2024, fourth All-Star, 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 68 games. Third Team All-NBA, first to average 27+ points alongside Kevin Durant since 1963. In the playoffs, 27.5 points in 4 games.
In 2024-2025, played all 75 games, 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and a career-high 7.1 assists. On February 3, 2025, surpassed Walter Davis as the Suns’ all-time leading scorer. On July 9, 2025, signed a two-year, $145 million extension.
Achievements and Awards
Devin Booker has an impressive list of honors. Four All-Star selections (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024), two All-NBA teams (First in 2022, Third in 2024), All-Rookie First Team in 2016. He is the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, with records like the youngest to score 70 points (2017), back-to-back 50-point games (2019), and 11,000 points (2022).
Internationally, gold medals at the Olympics in 2020 (held in 2021) and 2024 with Team USA. In Paris 2024, coach Steve Kerr called him the “unsung MVP.” Won the Three-Point Contest twice and was named Western Conference Player of the Week in January 2024.
His records include the most points in a quarter for the Suns (29, in 2024) and multiple 40+ point playoff games, tying Charles Barkley.
Playing Style
Booker is a versatile scorer, focusing on mid-range and long-range shots. His high basketball IQ, thanks to his father, allows precise reads in pick-and-roll and quick transitions. He is one of the league’s best three-point shooters, with career efficiency above 38%. His ability to create shots under pressure makes him lethal in clutch time.
Defensively, he has improved over the years, using his 1.96m wingspan for steals and blocks. As a secondary ball-handler, he distributes assists with sharp peripheral vision. In 2025-2026, his 7.4 assists per game reflect this evolution.
Personal Life
Devin is the only child of Melvin and Veronica. His Mexican heritage through his maternal grandfather motivates him to explore cultural roots. He has been a global ambassador for Special Olympics since 2021, supporting his half-sister with microdeletion syndrome. He dated Kendall Jenner from 2020 to 2022.
A fan of hockey (Detroit Red Wings) and football (Detroit Lions), he founded Starting Five, donating $500,000 annually to Phoenix charities since 2020. He bought a $3.5 million home in Paradise Valley in 2019 and appeared as a playable character in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III in 2024.
Recent Updates in 2025
In November 2025, Devin Booker is soaring in the 2025-2026 Suns season. After signing the $145 million extension in July, he opened up about wanting to stay in Phoenix for his entire career, comparing it to Stephen Curry’s journey in Golden State. “I want to build something lasting here,” he said in a recent interview with The Athletic.
In early games, Booker leads the NBA in scoring with 30.0 points per game (sixth overall) and 7.4 assists. On November 2 against the San Antonio Spurs, he scored 28 points and dished out 13 assists—a “treat” for fans, as he joked. Post-game, he praised the team’s camaraderie.
The Suns announced starters for the game against the Golden State Warriors, with Booker as the centerpiece. Off the court, he unveiled the new Nike Book 1 “The Valley” colorway, inspired by the Suns’ jersey, highlighting his local pride. Despite past experiments with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Booker is betting on longevity at 29, with a contract through 2030.
These moments reinforce his commitment: from records to leadership, he is the heart of the Suns.
Conclusion
Devin Booker transcends basketball: he is a symbol of perseverance and pure talent. From Grand Rapids to the NBA’s summit, his trajectory inspires millions. With Olympic gold, records, and a career dedicated to Phoenix, the future promises more glory. At 29 in 2025, he continues to redefine what it means to be a star. His legacy? A shooting guard who scores on hearts as much as baskets.
