Devin Booker on Haynes report
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker addressed a recent report by NBA reporter Chris Haynes that claimed Booker had been told by head coach Mike Budenholzer to “tone down his chatter” on the court and in the huddle during timeouts to allow the coaching staff’s message to be heard.
At shootaround on Sunday, Booker said the relationship between he and Budenholzer is “great” and the two are on the same page.
“We’ve had multiple conversations,” Booker said. “I can’t seem to find one that sticks out more than the others. It’s a player/coach relationship. When things start going bad, everybody tries to point fingers to find out what’s wrong. People are going to come up with stuff. The relationship is great. We’re on the same page, we’re trying to win and that’s that.”
Booker also noted that he will continue to use his voice to lead the team when he feels it is necessary.
“I am always going to do that,” Booker said. “Like I said, it is in the pursuit of trying to win. Like my postgame comments, I’ve seen it before when teams are quiet and tend to kinda separate in tough times ya know that’s where it gets worse. Me being around for a little bit now, just trying to implement my voice in the right spots and the right time. I’m going to continue to do so.”
“I’m not saying only one thing works,” he added. “There’s multiple teams at the top of the NBA right now that are playing different styles of basketball. So, there’s not one way that works but everybody definitely has got to be on the same page.”
Budenholzer addressed the report on Friday after the report went live as the coach praised Booker’s communication style and awareness.
The Suns play the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday night at 7 p.m. and can be heard on 98.7 FM, the Arizona Sports app or online.
