Devin Booker, a potential heir of what it takes to embody the Mamba Mentality, has put on a show this season despite battling through multiple injuries. The guard out of the University of Kentucky is averaging nearly 25 points, 7 assists and 4 boards a night with the Suns.
And he’s only 22. Sheesh.
From going off in a 70-point performance against the Celtics in the TD Garden to winning the NBA 3-Point Contest with authority last All-Star Weekend, Booker’s accolades have been rewarded by his brand backer — Nike — in the form of two exclusive Nike Kobe 1 Protro PEs and even a Nike Kobe AD PE.
We recently caught up with Book at the Phoenix Suns’ annual Jump Ball gala where he generously pledged to donate $2.5 million to support Arizona families in need. Bravo.
Take a look at what the BBN product had to say about his relationship with Kobe, hooping in Hyperdunks, his relationship with Kyrie and his hopes of someday joining those two as signature athletes on the Swoosh.
Book on His Relationship with Kobe
Booker: My relationship with Kobe is solid. My rookie season was his last season and we developed a good relationship. We had a chance to play against him and people heard the story of when I got to talk to him for 15 minutes after the game. Those words are going to last with me forever. I tweeted a picture of my Kobe PE and he said he already had them. It’s pretty dope.
Hooping in Kobes & Hyperdunks
Booker: Kobe started that low-top comfort with the Kobe 4. I’ve always hooped in Kobes. We play the same position also, so it helps a lot. Kobes and Hyperdunks are the only things that feel comfortable for me.
His Relationship with Kyrie Irving
Booker: Kyrie’s my guy. Nowadays, people go into playing against a competitor and think, ‘I’m not going to wear his shoe,’ but it’s different with me and Ky. We’re homies. We’re boys. We had a conversation about his line over the summer. I’m a fan of the shoe. The shoe feels great. I told him that all I wear is low-tops and they made a low-top Kyrie which was the perfect opportunity to jump on it. The shoe feels great.
Is a Signature Shoe with Nike in the Works?
Booker: It feels good when Nike puts you with the greats. That’s the wave people are going to. Donovan Mitchell just got his signature shoe and big congrats to him. That’s the dream: to have a signature shoe. I think having a player exclusive is right up there with it. A signature shoe comes with winning. When you’re at the bottom of the conference, it’s hard. I think my time will come. I’ve put in the work. Once those wins start showing up, I think it’ll be ready to go.
Be sure to follow Book on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the rising star.
Big thanks for Carlos Manzanillo, Sean Gale and Mychael Ramirez of the Phoenix Suns for making this possible.
