Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker
Devin Booker and Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell inevitably invite comparison. They’re both 25. They’re both preternaturally gifted scorers who play the same position in the NBA. It is generally unclear which is better, and that’s exactly what begs comparison between them.
As far as 2021-22 is concerned, however, Mitchell has got his counterparts’ number.
That’s not to say that Booker isn’t authoring another impressive season in his own right. His 22.4 points per game ranked fourth among the guards in this exercise, and his 54.3 TS% ranked second. It’s also worth noting that he shares the floor with the apparently immortal Chris Paul. The Point God is busy leading the NBA in assists per game at 10.3. Obviously, he takes the ball out of Booker’s hands on occasion.
That simply doesn’t factor into our equation here. Mitchell is also required to share the ball within the confines of a considerably deeper (and less top-heavy) Utah Jazz offense. Booker is having a good year: Mitchell is simply having a better one.
Interestingly enough, Booker’s three-point efficiency (38.5% on 6.1 attempts per game) has hit a new high, while his overall field goal percentage has suffered (43.7%, down from 48.4% last season). It’s hard to make any meaningful conclusions about that trend, but it is worth monitoring as the season progresses.
In terms of the eye test, Booker is a purist’s dream on the floor. He’s a three-level scorer with beautiful shot mechanics and a smooth handle. Phoenix Suns fans probably won’t mourn his placement below his Utah Jazz rival, with their team sitting 14-3 and fresh off of an NBA Finals appearance.