Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is gearing up for his second straight Olympics with Team USA later this month in Paris.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In 2021 when the team went to Tokyo, Booker was unable to do any training camp or practice beforehand with USA due to the Suns being in the NBA Finals.
This time around, Booker is getting exactly that with the team beginning training camp in Las Vegas last week, where it also played Team Canada in its first exhibition, and now continuing its pre-Olympic schedule in Abu Dhabi, where the next two exhibitions will be played.
In a video profile posted by USA Basketball, Booker discussed what this whole experience with Team USA means and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I was just honored (to be selected),” Booker said. “I know how much it means to represent our country, to wear USA across our chest. To be able to do it twice now, there’s no feeling like it.
“I say (the 2021 Olympics) was an experience like no other. I missed the camp time getting to compete with all the guys and building the chemistry, but empty gyms, didn’t get to leave the hotel, but we were there for one mission: to bring gold back.
“Every day I walk into the gym, I’m still in awe. Now to become teammates, this is a whole different beast. I’ve always been to whatever-it-takes guy. You gotta do all the other things, the things that I’m typically not used to doing. That’s what you need when you’re trying to win gold.
“I do understand the meaning, I grew up in here. It’s all I know, so representing the United States, the best country, it’s a high responsibility that comes with a lot, but we have the right group to do it.”
???????? @MGMRewards Player Profile: Devin Booker
One mission: Bring home a second gold medal. pic.twitter.com/KbS6UskZax
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 14, 2024
Booker and Team USA play their second exhibition game Monday in Abu Dhabi against Team Australia in preparation for the Olympics, which begin later this month.
WATCH: Devin Booker golfs with Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum in Abu Dhabi
*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
