Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker got the starting nod for Team USA’s first exhibition game tonight against Team Canada.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Booker will be starting alongside Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Booker’s Suns teammate Kevin Durant is out tonight with a minor calf strain. Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the Olympic team earlier today and was replaced by Derrick White, who is not available tonight.
First Five vs ???????? Canada
???????? @StephenCurry30
???????? @DevinBook
???????? @Jrue_Holiday11
???????? @KingJames
???????? @JoelEmbiid???? @FS1 pic.twitter.com/B2eRXNdS1z
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 11, 2024
Coach Steve Kerr said the team will mix and match starting lineups leading up to the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During Booker’s first Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo, he started five of the six games and averaged 9.3 points, across six contests (five starts) to go along with 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1,5 steals in 20.7 minutes per game.
Kerr was very complimentary of Booker earlier this week in training camp.
“(Booker) is the perfect example of a guy, who, in an NBA game, he is going to get 20 shots every night, (and) in ’21 in Tokyo, he was more of a defender, ball-mover, but did a great job and was one of our key players,” Kerr said. “That’s why he’s back here. We knew how much we needed him. And I’m so impressed with Book’s ability to understand that, recognize the role change, but still hit the big shot and be looking forward to a big moment. Book’s a perfect FIBA guy.”
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 9, 2024
This game against Canada is the first of five exhibition games before the team plays in the 2024 Paris Olympics later this month. Their first Olympic game is on July 28 against Serbia.
The @usabasketball Showcase Schedule ????
Watch #USABMNT take on Canada Wednesday at 10:30pm/et on FS1! pic.twitter.com/lSNqqPzJNw
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2024
Tonight’s game tips off at 7 :30 p.m. MST in Las Vegas and will be televised on FS1.
Steve Kerr respects Devin Booker’s ability to change his role for Team USA
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
