Just in: Steve Kerr addresses all the talk surrounding Team USA and Devin Booker

The buzz around Team USA in the 2024 Olympics has focused on star players either being benched or not getting enough playtime. However, Devin Booker has bucked that trend, starting both games and logging significant minutes. This development might have surprised some before the Olympics, but head coach Steve Kerr explained Booker’s consistent starting role.

“Devin has shown remarkable adaptability, transitioning seamlessly from his NBA role to a new one here. He’s a prolific scorer in the league, but just like in Tokyo, he’s embraced being an on-ball player and ball mover. The offense flows when he’s on the court, and his defense is outstanding. That’s why he’s started every game and fits well with any lineup.”

Booker has indeed embraced every role he’s been given, contributing across the board for Team USA. The 27-year-old has averaged 11.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game at the Olympics, shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field and 71.4% from three-point range.

Booker has also played the most minutes for Team USA (24.0 per game), underscoring the trust Kerr has in him. As Kerr noted, the Phoenix Suns star blends well with any group of players on the court, and he is expected to continue playing significant minutes throughout the tournament.

Devin Booker Had Said He Would Be Willing To Be A Role Player For Team USA After The FIBA World Cup

While some stars might shy away from doing the unglamorous tasks on the court, it’s no surprise that Booker is up for the challenge. After Team USA’s disappointing 2023 FIBA World Cup performance, where they failed to win a medal, Kyle Kuzma emphasized the need for NBA stars who were willing to embrace their roles. The four-time All-Star, Booker, affirmed his readiness to do just that.

I’ll do it https://t.co/77PBGNEQ0W

— Book (@DevinBook) September 12, 2023

Booker has certainly stayed true to his word. Despite averaging 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game for the Suns in the 2023-24 season, he’s been content to play off the ball and devote significant energy to defense for Team USA.

Booker showcased this adaptability at the Tokyo Olympics, and he’s on track to secure another Olympic gold medal in Paris. Concerns surrounding Team USA after the exhibition games have been decisively dismissed in the main event.

In the opening game, Team USA dominated Serbia with a 110-84 victory. They then faced South Sudan, a team that nearly beat them in the exhibition games, but the rematch was one-sided. The U.S. took an early lead and maintained control to win 103-86.

With these two wins, Team USA has qualified for the knockouts. They’ll aim for another dominant performance against Puerto Rico in the final group-stage game, eyeing a double-digit win to secure the top seed in the knockout bracket.