👋 GOOD MORNING
Happy Tuesday! Hopefully your week is off to a solid start — I mean, we made it through Monday, so that’s something right out of the gate. The weather around The Valley has been considerably warmer, though I’ll be honest: I didn’t mind the “chillier” temps of the past few weeks because the sheer thought of July puts everything into perspective around this time of year, at least for me. You’ll also be able to enjoy those cooler evening temps this spring at Chase Field, because the roof is set to be fully functional for the D-Backs’ home opener on March 27!
Sure would be a great way to experience — dare I say — October baseball, as well?
On to the show!
One For The Books: Suns Star Makes History
Devin Booker has done it.
Monday’s 34-point output against the Trail Blazers etched the four-time All-Star straight into the Suns record books, as the 28-year-old is now the leading scorer in team history, surpassing Walter Davis’s mark of 15,666. Book did it in one fewer season than Davis, besting a record that has stood since the 1987-88 season.
A monumental accomplishment: The newly-established record, which now continues to grow with every basket Booker makes, took 124 fewer games than Davis. Absolutely unreal, especially considering some of the team’s most prominent alumni.
- In addition to Davis, Booker is ahead of Alvan Adams (13,910), Kevin Johnson (12,747), Shawn Marion (12,134), Dick Van Arsdale (12,060), Amar’e Stoudemire (11,035) and Steve Nash (10,712).
- To date, he has played fewer games than everyone other than Stoudemire.
- In addition to also making the most 3-pointers in team history, he ranks third in field goals made, fourth in free throw percentage, fifth in assists, seventh in games played, eighth in defensive rebounds and ninth in steals.
My Take: Without question, take some time to appreciate the greatness we are witnessing. A generational player such as Booker is a true joy to watch, not just because of how wildly talented he is, but also because you can just see his love for the game on full display. We have watched him mature from a baby-faced 18-year-old into one of the most talented players in the league (and still a little baby-faced), and given the climate of the NBA these days, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to admire this kind of greatness in perpetuity (see: Luka Dončić).
Go More In-Depth: Our very own Gerald Bourguet talks about how Booker’s achievement puts him in the discussion as the greatest Sun of all time.
Adams Departs For the Lone Star State
The Dallas Cowboys hired Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator after two seasons in The Valley. The running game flourished under his tutelage, as the team ranked second in the league with 5.3 yards per carry this past season, behind only the Baltimore Ravens.
- Adams spent four years with the Colts as assistant offensive line coach.
- His coaching career began in 2005 and spanned 14 years in college, most notably as co-offensive coordinator for Colorado in 2018.
- Dallas ranked 27th in rushing yards and dead last in rushing touchdowns last season.
From Johnny V, Bo and Damon: After two years of a strong rushing attack, is Arizona’s run game in trouble again?
Musings From Around (and Sometimes Beyond) The Valley
Wildcats shown some Love: Arizona broke back into the AP top-25, coming in at No. 20 following an incredible week of wins over then-No. 3 Iowa State and Arizona State. Caleb Love was a big part of that, and it showed after he was named the Big 12 Player of the Week following 22 and 27 point outputs, respectively.
Not so sunny: That escalated quickly. A few weeks ago it looked like Phoenix was in the market to pick up the disgruntled Jimmy Butler from Miami, but now multiple outlets are reporting Durant may be generating interest from across the league, including the Warriors, at least according to longtime NBA reporter Jake Fischer.
Law-fty expectations: D-Backs prospect Jordan Lawlar was named the second-best shortstop prospect in the game by Baseball America, and the 13th-best overall. The 22-year-old made his Major League debut in 2023, but an injury-riddled season limited his production last year at all levels.
🧢 Tip Of The Hat
Congrats, Book! Let the GOAT debates begin.
