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The following was written by PHNX Sports correspondent Stephen Pridgeon-Garner.
INDIANAPOLIS — An All-Star weekend timeline for the Phoenix Suns representatives, as well as where this season ultimately ends for the Suns this season, rests on the shoulders of their two best players, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Though at two different stages of their careers, there is an abundance of kindredness that exists between the two.
Booker, enjoying his fourth All-Star selection, is also enjoying the release of his first signature shoe, the Book Chapter 1s, with Nike.
“It’s not just my shoe, it’s everybody’s shoe,” he said. “I drew inspiration from everybody, all walks of my life, and I just want everybody to be a part of it.”
His signature shoe reportedly sold out in a few minutes.
Durant on the other hand, is set to play in his 14th All-Star game, which is consecutive for every season he’s been available to play. He also recently threw his cap in the music realm, collaborating with recording artist Stalley on his newly released track, “Scared Money.”
Durant’s feature was impressive enough to pique the interest of recent multi-Grammy award-winning rapper, Killer Mike.
It’s been slightly over a year since the Suns made their move to bring Durant to the desert, pairing him with Booker.
The two have been seemingly inseparable in a few different manners — all of which have resulted in a level of chemistry that they can depend on when adversity hits on the floor.
“Now, we spend a lot more time together, man,” Booker told the media post-practice on Saturday. “We like to kick it, chill. Talk basketball and play video games.”
Simple in its nature. That phrase aligns with both of them, and it’s where plenty of their kindredness above stems from.
“We have the same likes in life,” Booker said. “We’re hoop junkies, that’s where it started.
A pure connection, stemming from the appreciation of each other’s talents, then amplifying off a shared love for the game, has them in a solid space.
“I think it’s because we hang out off the floor a lot,” Durant said. “That’s most of the battle when you get to know your teammates that deep.”
Durant also spoke on the depths of his time spent with Booker.
“I’ve hung out with him a lot since I got to Phoenix this past summer, and we worked out obviously,” he said. “But us hanging out, playing video games, going out and having a drink. All of that stuff helps when you have been trying to gain chemistry, and it’s been great getting to know him.”
When asked about legacy, Durant was candid.
“I want to be respected amongst people that actually play the game,” he said. “And players that aspire to be where I’m at, I want to be respected by them.”
This was an interesting answer, as the day prior to and following the Rising Stars Challenge, I was able to speak with a couple of players who have shared time with Durant recently.
Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic spoke to the detail in Durant’s workout process:
“His attention to detail, man,” Banchero said. “He just showed me another level you gotta be able to reach.”
Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets was also candid about his time spent with Durant:
“How precise he is with his movements, everything looks the same,” Smiths aid. “People kind of say he’s like a robot. He’s very, very detailed. That’s something I took away, and just how hard he works.
To the legacy point, it can be quickly processed that there’s a mystique persisting among the younger stars and up-and-coming players when it comes to Durant.
In a lot of ways, Kevin Durant is the NBA’s “middle child.”
He’s a player who is very much in touch with the history of the game, has the respect of the legends because of that, as well as his play, and also has the reach to relate to the younger players of the league.
From conversations, building relationships and sharing his knowledge of the game with younger players, to being open and available to train with and sharpen skills on the floor, Durant is establishing a legacy that will leave a mark, past the prolific efficiency, where he already scores as an all-time great.
The Suns (33-22, presently fifth in the Western Conference) have a +8.2 Net Rating with Booker and Durant on the floor, with an elite offensive rating of 124.9.
That, as well as the aforementioned chemistry those two have built, will all be tested out the gate post-All-Star break, as they have the toughest remaining schedule, per Tankathon.
After adding Royce O’Neale and (reportedly) Thaddeus Young to the roster, they still have one roster spot to fill on the buyout market or by converting one of their two-way contracts.
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