PHOENIX – When NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum read the Phoenix Suns 41st pick being Koby Brea, the Devin Booker comparison started flying. The two 6’6 Kentucky guards that spent their lone season Lexington coming off the bench for the Wildcats were knockdown shooters, each shooting well over 40% from deep.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Brea embraced the comparison saying Booker is one of his favorite players and plans on learning and leaning on him for his rookie season. A heartwarming story to see, but can Brea seriously live up the expectations of the greatest Suns player ever?
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) reacts after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Suns’ Brea and Booker’s Summer League stats:
- Brea (3 Games):
- MPG: 24.3
- PPG: 12.0
- RPG: 4.0
- 3pt%: 42.9%
- Booker (9 games):
- MPG: 31.0
- PPG: 20.5
- RPG: 5.7
- 3pt%: 45%
Jan 24, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Suns guard Devin Booker (1) pulls up his jersey brandishing the name of “Phoenix” during a game against the Jazz. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Brea had an impressive Summer League, shooting 13-for-19 from the field in his first two games, before an injury suffered in the third game against the Sacramento Kings. The 22-year-old showed flashes of Booker’s game by playing off the dribble getting to his elbow shots, fadeaway in the short post and being a knockdown shooter from the post.
Despite the impressive moments, it doesn’t quite meet Booker’s Summer League appearances, as he has the fourth-highest PPG of any Phoenix Suns player in Vegas. Booker showed at just 19 years old that he was a star, which is where Brea will be behind the curve.
Mar 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) shoots the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half during a Midwest Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The second-round pick had a five-year collegiate career and will turn 23 years old in early November. In his age 23-season, Booker was earning his first All-Star appearance and averaging 26.6 PPG. Not to take away from Brea, and his accomplishments so far, but Booker’s is a one of a kind talent for the franchise.
Brea will be his own player and has the tools to be a dynamic isolation and off-ball player for the team, if he’s given the chance next season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
