Eddie Johnson speaks on Devin Booker’s future with Phoenix

Suns analyst Eddie Johnson speaks about Devin Booker:

“He should be taking the most shots,” Johnson said. “He should be the one in the fourth quarter being the focus, the hub.” That message goes beyond shot selection. It speaks to the identity Phoenix must establish if it hopes to compete with the NBA’s elite. Championship teams typically have a player opponents know will demand the ball when games tighten. For the Suns, Booker must be willing to embrace that responsibility consistently, rather than allowing the offense to drift away from its best scorer during critical possessions. Johnson also expressed confidence in Booker’s ability to lead a title contender, emphasizing that teams need a definitive star capable of carrying them through the postseason.

“If you want to go far and win a championship, you’ve got to have that guy, and he is that guy,” Johnson said. That endorsement matters because it reflects a belief that extends beyond the front office. Booker remains the face of the franchise, and Johnson’s comments suggest that those familiar with the organization see his leadership as essential to its future. Johnson also mentioned, “I’m happy that he’s talking that way (about shooting more), because until now he’s really been like a rollercoaster, up and down with that mindset. I think now he understands that he cannot take a back seat to anybody on this team.”

Phoenix reached the NBA Finals in 2021, proving Booker can lead a team deep into the postseason. Repeating that success, however, requires more than past accomplishments. It demands sustained aggression, accountability, and execution when the stakes are highest. The Suns have invested heavily in Booker as their franchise cornerstone. The next step is making that commitment count. If Phoenix wants another championship opportunity, Booker cannot simply be its best player. He must consistently play like the player the entire franchise is built around.