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‘No sense…’ Karl-Anthony Towns explains why Devin Booker didn’t think he could reach the NBA during Kentucky stint

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 10:19 AM ET

Karl-Anthony Towns pointed out how Devin Booker lacked confidence in his potential to reach the NBA.

Devin Booker has cemented himself as one of the top players in the NBA. As the star approaches a decade in the league, he has built a strong resume for himself.

Booker played in Kentucky with Karl-Anthony Towns, where he impressed league scouts with his strong scoring at the two-guard spot.

Now, after several years in the NBA, Booker is set to sign a two-year, $150 million contract with the Phoenix Suns, becoming one of their best players ever.

But back in his Kentucky days, Booker was unsure about his chances of making the NBA. And it was Karl-Anthony Towns who gave him the confidence to succeed.

Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Devin Booker thought he didn’t have enough to reach the NBA

Karl-Anthony Towns was a guest on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast. When discussing his time with Devin Booker at Kentucky, Towns shared an interesting story.

He revealed that Booker initially didn’t think that he would reach the NBA, even believing that he had to take another year in Kentucky.

“You know, it’s crazy. We’ve been friends since high school, and we have been talking about Kentucky since high school…

“I remember Book was in college and we used to be sitting there and Book would be like, ‘Man, you’re about to go to the NBA, you’re going to get drafted number one and I’m gonna be here in Kentucky for another year or two and I’m going to just try.’

“I was like, bro, like if we handle business on the court, we win and stuff, all our draft stocks go up.

“It makes no sense to stay if we handle business the way we’re supposed to. Fast forward, takes the advice, joins the draft, goes to the Suns, the rest is history.”

Karl-Anthony Towns and Kentucky found success ahead of NBA Draft

Towns revealed further that Booker didn’t get to start on the Kentucky team. But because of their success as a unit, their value went up ahead of the NBA Draft.

“He never started. We did the platoon system. I don’t know if anyone even remembers that. That was, it’s crazy to say, 10 years ago. I don’t remember that. But like the team, we were off a platoon system.

“So it was like I only played 17 minutes a game. Book played like 14. And then the rest of our bench, we used to be, hey, you college basketball couldn’t f— with us. So the deep bench was even playing. So they were getting by like eight minutes a game.

“And we were just playing, but he never got that chance to show what he could do. But we were winning. And when you win in college, everyone’s value goes up.”

Karl-Anthony Towns was the standout prospect of the 2015 NBA Draft, going #1 overall. While Devin Booker went #13 overall in the same class.

Both players have earned multiple All-Star nominations and gone on deep playoff runs. Booker even reached the NBA Finals in 2021.

The two stars now find themselves at different points in their careers. Booker is staying with the Suns as they rebuild their team.

On the opposite side of the league, Karl-Anthony Towns is trying to win the NBA championship with the New York Knicks next season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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