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Devin Booker Faces Criticism for Passive Play in 2025-26 Season

2026-07-19 · Devin Booker · Player Focus

Devin Booker’s role in the Phoenix Suns’ offense came under fire during the 2025-26 season, with former NBA player Iman Shumpert criticizing the star guard’s passivity in late-game situations. Shumpert, speaking during a Suns Summer League game on Wednesday, argued that Booker’s reluctance to take over games hurt the team’s ceiling despite their 45-win campaign.

What Did Shumpert Say?

Shumpert highlighted Booker’s tendency to defer to teammates like Jalen Green in crunch time, calling it a 'searching' approach that cost the Suns high-percentage scoring opportunities. While Green’s open three-pointers or floaters off drives were serviceable, Shumpert insisted Booker’s shots-even contested mid-range pull-ups-were statistically superior in late-game scenarios.

Why It Matters for Booker and the Suns

Booker’s selflessness, while admirable, drew comparisons to Steve Nash’s peak-era Suns, where excessive ball-sharing sometimes backfired. The concern is that Booker, one of the NBA’s elite scorers, is underutilized in critical moments. With clutch shot-making pedigree, his passivity could limit Phoenix’s playoff potential.

What Comes Next for the Suns?

Head coach Jordan Ott’s structured offense has improved the Suns, but balancing system and star power remains key. The team must ensure Booker’s scoring instincts aren’t stifled while maintaining their defensive identity. As training camp approaches, how Booker responds to this criticism could define Phoenix’s 2026-27 season.

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