Real Reason Devin Booker Has Been Off His Game In 2025

Devin Booker’s 2024-25 NBA season with the Phoenix Suns has shown a noticeable shift in his playing style and statistics. His scoring average has dipped to 25.3 points per game compared to last season’s 27.1, while his assists have slightly increased from 6.9 to 7.1 per game. Perhaps more concerning is his shooting efficiency, which has fallen from 49.2% to 45.3%.

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony recently shared an intriguing theory about this decline on his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast. Anthony suggests Booker’s Olympic experience with Team USA has fundamentally altered his approach to the game. According to Anthony, Booker adapted to a more supportive role during international play and has continued this adjusted style with the Suns.

“The Team USA culture encouraged Booker to focus on complementary aspects of basketball rather than being the primary scorer,” Anthony explained. This international experience may have convinced Booker to prioritize team dynamics over individual scoring prowess upon returning to the Suns.

The timing of this adjustment coincides with the Suns having assembled a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. This collection of talent theoretically allows Booker to distribute responsibilities rather than shouldering the offensive load alone.

Booker’s Statistical Comparison:

This shift in approach might be contributing to the Suns’ disappointing record (35-39), leaving them just outside the play-in tournament picture. The team’s struggles have fueled speculation about roster compatibility and whether Booker’s adjusted style benefits or hinders the team’s success.

NBA players often face challenges readjusting to their team environments after international competition. The Olympic basketball setting features condensed timeframes and concentrated talent pools that require different tactical approaches than the NBA’s 82-game season.

Many basketball analysts have noted that while Team USA experiences can elevate aspects of players’ games, they can also disrupt established rhythms. Stars like James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving have historically shown varied responses to post-Olympic returns to NBA action.

The Suns’ coaching staff now faces the challenge of helping Booker recalibrate his approach to maximize both his individual talents and the team’s potential. With playoff hopes diminishing, finding this balance becomes increasingly urgent.

Reported behind-the-scenes tensions within the organization complicate matters further, though Booker has attempted to minimize these narratives. Whether Booker’s apparent stylistic changes stem from Olympic influence, team dynamics, or other factors, the current results suggest adjustments are needed for both player and team to return to championship contention.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.