Team USA head coach Steve Kerr recently made headlines by naming a surprising choice for the team’s ‘unsung’ MVP of the 2024 Olympics. Instead of the high-profile stars on the roster, Kerr singled out a lesser-acknowledged guard for his invaluable contributions. Team USA clinched the gold medal at the Paris Olympics by defeating host France 98-87, marking the United States’ fifth consecutive Olympic gold and 17th overall in men’s basketball.
Steve Kerr Praises Devin Booker as the ‘Unsung’ MVP
Kerr’s unexpected pick for the team’s unsung MVP was Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker. Despite sharing the court with NBA legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, it was Booker’s dedication to the team and consistent performance that stood out to Kerr.
“Devin Booker is an incredible basketball player. Nobody asked about him. He was our unsung MVP. I just wanted to say that,” Kerr stated after the gold medal game.
In that decisive match against France, Booker scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, contributing six rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes. Throughout the tournament, Booker was a reliable starter for Team USA, averaging 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 0.5 steals in 22 minutes per game. He showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 56.8% from the field and 56.5% from beyond the arc. Beyond the stats, Booker was lauded for his relentless defensive effort, willingness to play within the team’s system, and unselfishness on offense. However, it was Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James who was ultimately named the official MVP of the men’s basketball tournament in Paris.
Devin Booker Secures His Second Olympic Gold Medal
The Paris victory marked Booker’s second consecutive Olympic gold medal, following his success with Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). With two Olympic golds to his name, Booker now only lacks a FIBA World Cup title to complete his impressive international basketball resume.
Devin Booker Enters His Prime
At 27 years old, Booker is entering the prime of his career and could be poised for his best NBA season yet after his stellar performance with Team USA. Widely regarded as the best shooting guard in the league throughout the 2020s, Booker continues to solidify his place among the NBA’s elite.
In the 2023-24 NBA season, Booker averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 68 regular-season games. He set career-highs in assists and minutes per game (36.0) as the Suns, lacking depth, leaned heavily on their star. Booker earned his fourth NBA All-Star appearance and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Despite his strong performance, the Suns were swept in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Booker’s Team USA teammate Anthony Edwards.
As Booker approaches the peak of his career, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what he’ll achieve next.
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