PHOENIX — Devin Booker’s name may have moved down four spots in ESPN’s latest NBA rankings, but his importance to the Phoenix Suns hasn’t changed much.
NBA Rank continues with No. 50-11 ⤵️
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— ESPN (@espn) September 23, 2026
Booker was ranked No. 16 a year ago, sliding down to No. 20 ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Suns star had a tough season healthwise in 2025-26, dealing with a series of lower-body injuries that put him out for stretches at a time.
Still, the 29-year-old remained one of the club’s — and the NBA’s — most dependable offensive players.
Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Suns guard averaged 26.1 points and six assists per game during the regular season, keeping him among the league’s top scorers and playmakers. He was also selected to his fifth All-Star team, reinforcing that the ranking drop shouldn’t be viewed as a dramatic decline in how the national media views him.
Adaptability has been the key to Booker’s success over 11 seasons. He has remained a centerpiece for Phoenix as the team entered a new era under head coach Jordan Ott and with new names such as Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green. Through those changes, his role has continued to evolve while his importance to the franchise has remained constant.
Mar 16, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Moving from No. 16 to No. 20 doesn’t erase his production or his status as Phoenix’s constant. It simply highlights how hard it has become to separate established stars from the growing group of elite players competing for the top spots.
As he enters his 12th season, Booker once again finds himself at the center of what Phoenix is trying to create. The roster around him may continue to change, and his place among the league’s stars may shift from year to year, but his role with the Suns remains largely the same.
Mar 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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