Devin Booker is so over and beyond what became such a hot topic on social media this summer.
The Phoenix Suns star said during Monday’s media day he doesn’t care about the criticism he received from a video which showed him taking issue with a double team in an open gym.
“I don’t care, I really don’t,” said a smiling Booker. “Social media, it’s a great platform. I use it for entertainment like a lot of people do, but I think a lot of people take it more serious than others. I’m one of those people that like get on there and laugh. I don’t take things people say too seriously. I have real-life things to deal with.”
While former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Jalen Rose didn’t have a problem with the double, current stars Kevin Durant and Trae Young sided with Booker.
Suns point guard Tyler Johnson also has Booker’s back.
“He’s trying to work on his game,” Johnson said. “It is true. I think it’s different when you actually do get double teamed in games a lot. He’s just trying to work on his game. I don’t understand why there would be flax. He’s giving an opinion and he’s in the heat of the moment, too. It’s not like he comes out after and makes his own press conference or interview for it. He’s telling what he actually feels.”
Booker was also criticized by writers Bill Simmons and ESPN’s Nick Friedell for not playing for Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Team director Jerry Colangelo told The Republic in July that Booker’s agent told him in May Booker wanted to focus on getting healthy and ready for the 2019-20 season.
Booker addressed that by saying he did what was best for himself, his family, his career and his future.
“You know me, I don’t look into none that too much,” Booker said. “… I think it’s obvious I’ve dealt with injuries, especially last year, dealing with three hamstring injuries and not wanting to go through that. Just focusing on this Suns team and getting where I want to go with this team is my main priority.”
Booker confirmed he was invited to play for USA Basketball and said he “would’ve loved” to have been part of Team USA and do so in the future, but he committed to getting healthy and ready for the upcoming season.
“It’s something I wanted to do, but with the way the season works,” Booker said. “It’s an 82-game season we have to prepare for. Getting back two days before training camp and being a leader of this team, it’s tough to do all that at the same time.”
Colangelo said last month that Booker wasn’t one of the NBA players who opted out a few of weeks before the World Cup. Team USA struggled and shockingly failed to medal, which led to Booker’s name surfacing as a player who could have helped it win the gold medal.
Ironically, Booker’s new point guard, Ricky Rubio, led Spain to the World Cup title and won MVP honors.
The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo will begin in less than a year.
“Yes, I would (go),” Booker said of the Summer Games. “I would love to. Representing your country. Playing in the Olympics. All these things have been dreams of mine. So hopefully if I ever get that opportunity, I’d take full advantage of it, but I know a lot of work goes into that. I know representing your country for USA Basketball is one of the most prestigious things you can do. Being part of that would be a great experience.”
For now, Booker is just gearing up to represent the Suns.
“He’ll show ya’ll what he’s been working on,” Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. said.
Have an opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.
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