In a recent appearance on the Backyard podcast, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker shared a fascinating “what if” scenario from his early career. Booker revealed that he believed he was on the verge of joining the Miami Heat as a rookie in the 2015 NBA Draft. This revelation has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike, pondering how different the NBA landscape might have been if Booker had donned a Heat jersey.
The 2015 NBA Draft was a significant event for many teams, including the Miami Heat, who held the 10th overall pick. At the time, the Heat were in a transitional phase, looking to rebuild after the departure of LeBron James. With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh nearing the twilight of their careers, the team was in search of fresh talent to secure their future.
Booker, who had just completed an impressive season at Kentucky, was one of the top prospects. He averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 47% shooting, showcasing his potential as a sharpshooter. During the podcast, Booker mentioned that Miami was his best workout, and he was already looking at places to live near the arena.
Despite Booker’s strong performance and fit for the team, the Heat ultimately decided to draft Justise Winslow with their 10th pick. Winslow, a versatile forward from Duke, was seen as a promising addition to the Heat’s roster. However, his career with the Heat was short-lived, and he was eventually traded after a few seasons.
Booker, on the other hand, was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 13th overall pick. Reflecting on the draft, Booker said,
“I was hoping to go to Miami. Miami was my best workout, and then Pat Riley came and did an interview and said, ‘We’re looking for a Klay Thompson-type player, we need to up our shooting.’ I just shot 40% in college. I’m looking like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m looking at spots right by the arena.'”
Since joining the Suns, Booker has blossomed into one of the NBA’s brightest stars. He has become a four-time All-Star and played a crucial role in leading the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. His scoring ability, leadership, and dedication have made him the face of the franchise.
While it’s intriguing to imagine what could have been if Booker had joined the Heat, his journey with the Suns has been nothing short of remarkable. The Suns’ faith in Booker has been rewarded, and the team continues to build around him in pursuit of an NBA championship.
