The United States Olympic team is moving unstoppably towards clinching a fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They did not start well in exhibition games, but the solidarity and skill shown by the group in their first two Group B fixtures has earned them wins over Serbia and South Sudan.
As such, initial reservations are giving way to hope as they reveal their depth of line-up and wealth of talent. This year’s US team, which is full of stars, will see Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker play more than one role apart from being his usual self in the NBA.
The player usually leads in scoring for Suns but he has had to adjust his game so that he can contribute better on a squad level basis for national duty. Steve Kerr who is the head coach commended how Booker was quickly able to conform to different conditions while surviving this new season.
“He’s probably the guy who’s been most adaptable to go from a different role in the NBA to a new one here,” Kerr said when praising Booker for his flexibility. “That’s why he’s started every game and seems good with any combination,” added Arizona broadcaster Blake Niemann.
Booker Dual Role
Booker is known primarily for scoring, yet, he retains both his high-scoring average and improved playmaking skills through recording a career-best 6.9 assists per game during last season’s NBA matches.
In response to this deficiency among Suns’ ranks where there isn’t even an orthodox point guard present all times, it was frequently Booker enlisted into management positions. In Team USA’s most recent victory against South Sudan, Booker showed off his versatility by recording 10 points plus leading with six assists made (Lakers.com).
Similarly impactful performance was observed during their previous match against Serbia seeing him add up five assists plus twelve scores (Lakers.com). Consequently, flexible dynamics have been at play within Team USA due to Booker giving credence that has surpassed his mere shooting abilities.
