All the talk surrounding Team USA in the 2024 Olympics has been about stars being benched or not getting enough game time. However, this hasn’t been the case for Devin Booker, who has started both games and played significant minutes. Some might not have anticipated this before the Olympics, and head coach Steve Kerr has explained why Booker has been a consistent starter.
“He’s probably the guy who’s been most adaptable to go from a different role in the NBA to a new one here. He’s such a big scorer in the league, but just like in Tokyo, he’s adapted to being an on-ball guy, ball mover, the offense clicks when he’s out there and the defense is really good. That’s why he’s started every game and seems to be good with any combination.”
Booker has indeed adapted well to whatever role he has been asked to play and has done a bit of everything for Team USA. The 27-year-old has put up 11.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game at the Olympics, while shooting 66.7% from the field and 71.4% from beyond the arc.
Booker has also played the most minutes for Team USA (24.0 per game), showcasing the trust Kerr has in him. As the Phoenix Suns star fits well with any combination of players on the court, expect him to get significant minutes for the remainder of the tournament.
Devin Booker’s Willingness to Be a Role Player for Team USA
While some stars might not be keen on doing the unglamorous tasks on the court, Booker has shown he’s fine with it. Following Team USA’s disappointing 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign, where they didn’t win a medal, Kyle Kuzma stated that the team needed NBA stars willing to play a role. The four-time All-Star responded affirmatively.
“I’ll do it.”
Booker has stayed true to his word. Despite averaging 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season for the Suns, he has embraced playing off the ball and expending energy on the defensive end.
Booker did the same at the Tokyo Olympics, and he looks poised to secure another Olympic gold medal in Paris. Concerns surrounding Team USA after the exhibition games have been put to rest in impressive fashion at the main event.
Team USA played Serbia in the opening game and secured a decisive 110-84 victory. They then faced a South Sudan team that nearly beat them in the exhibition games, but the rematch was lopsided. The U.S. jumped out to an early lead and maintained control to win 103-86.
With that second win, Team USA qualified for the knockouts and will aim for another dominant performance against Puerto Rico in the final group-stage game. A double-digit win seems very likely as they seek to be the top seed in the knockout bracket.
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