PHOENIX – Damian Lillard recently spoke on the Phoenix Suns’ future as they rebuild around Devin Booker, though he didn’t feel that Phoenix’s opportunity was over.
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Mar 17, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Suns guard Booker (1) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Lillard (0) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Damian Lillard comments on Devin Booker’s future in Phoenix:
Damian Lillard elaborated on Devin Booker and his journey with the Phoenix Suns, and the outlook for their future. Lillard mentioned to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin that, while Booker didn’t need his advice, he knows what it takes to get to the next level, especially in a “rebuilding” era.
Damian Lillard on Devin Booker being on a rebuild with Phoenix Suns: “He’s been on a team in this situation and after a couple of years, nobody expected they’d end up in the finals. And then you go and get some stars to come with you and you underachieve. It’s really about being… pic.twitter.com/qAziMexDU3
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 9, 2025
Lillard also spoke about the 2021 NBA season, where the Suns surprised everybody with their youth and talent, as they made their way to the NBA Finals, with Booker as the star they built around. The question of what the Suns’ future may look like and Booker’s role is the main focus for Phoenix. The team will operate as he does. If Booker is playing well, the rest of the roster will do so as well. During the 2020-2021 NBA season when the Suns made the NBA Finals, Booker averaged 25.6 points and 4.3 assists while his FT% was 86.7.
Mar 9, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) and Portland Trail Blazers guard Lillard (0) talk during a break in action during the second half at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers beat the Suns 127-120. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
If anybody knows about homegrown loyalty and building up a team, culture, and locker room around themselves, it’s Lillard. After a short stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard recently returned to Portland to finish his career in the city he grew up in, as his career has been very similar to Booker’s. Getting advice and insight from peers shows that Booker has the respect around the league. The league has noticed Booker’s ability to lead a team at any time, and Suns fans know that if he becomes the guy to build around, Phoenix’s ceiling is very high.
Feb 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Suns guard Booker (1) guards Portland Trail Blazers guard Lillard (0) during the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
