The Phoenix Suns are entering a new era. Following a disappointing era of trying to build a scoring super-team with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix is moving on and getting younger. While they make this transition, all eyes remain on Book, their franchise cornerstone.

Booker is on the clock. The Suns guard, after over a decade in the league, has to once again take the reins of the franchise, going into the next season. The question for the Suns is simple: Can Booker step into the elite company of true number one options and lead Phoenix back into prominence?

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has made it clear that Booker not only has a chip on his shoulder but also a lot of eyes and a blinding spotlight on him. “I’m looking at Devin Booker right now and I’m saying he’s on the clock,” Perkins said on ESPN. He compared Booker to other elite guards, Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emphasizing that his past success isn’t enough with how quickly the league has progressed.

He went on, highlighting the weight of expectations on Booker without elite supporting stars, saying, “When I say on the clock, it’s time for Devin Booker to show the world that he belongs. Belong in the company of an Anthony Edwards. Belong in the company of an SGA. Can he be a guy that could be that number one option of this Phoenix Suns franchise? I’m waiting to see it.” Perkins also reminded everyone that Booker reached the NBA Finals in 2021 alongside Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, but the Suns’ constant roster and coaching turnover in the years since has left the responsibility for success firmly on Booker’s shoulders.

Phoenix‘s offseason makes his task even more challenging. The Suns went through a significant change, moving Kevin Durant in a blockbuster seven-team trade to the Houston Rockets, replacing him with young Rockets guard Jalen Green, defensive forward Dillon Brooks, and rookie #10 pick Khaman Maluach. Meanwhile, Booker’s personal milestones have kept going – just last year, he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and secured a contract extension worth $133M that will keep him on the team until 2029-30.

All eyes are on him: can he translate his individual success to team excellence?

Devin Booker on Unfinished Business and Leadership

Devin Booker has addressed the challenge head-on. He spoke at the Suns’ media day, telling reporters, “From being at the bottom and, you know, almost getting the job done, I have unfinished business here.” He knows that there are a lot of expectations on him going into the next season, considering that he is the Suns’ longest-tenured player.

He continued, speaking about his leadership role within the organization, saying, “I know how much it would mean to this city and this organization. So, you know, that’s my job as a leader. It’s my responsibility as a franchise player to communicate to everybody the importance of basketball in this town and how serious we take it.”

The Valley of the Sun has embraced a new direction going into the 2025-26 season, centered on toughness and youth. With how he has stressed accountability, communication, and team culture, all eyes will be on Devin Booker, and whether he can fulfill the expectations that have driven his Phoenix career so far.