Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is continuing to work on flipping the script in Phoenix.
A year ago, he was the leader of a Suns team not expecting to be much in the scope of the at-large NBA.
45 wins and a playoff berth later, Phoenix is working towards becoming more in 2026-27. This includes working their way into the top six of the standings and pushing for a playoff series victory.
Booker is at the forefront of this movement, with the 12-year vet going to great lengths to embrace a leadership role.
Leading by example is perhaps the most crystal-clear manner in which the shooting guard is embracing the responsibility.
This is reflecting in the happenings of Phoenix's last two gatherings at the practice facility. Booker was the last player to leave Saturday's shootaround on game day, while also being the last to leave following Monday's practice.
Head coach Jordan Ott had nothing but praise to heap on Booker when talking with Duane Rankin (Arizona Republic) following Monday's session.
"He know how to prepare himself, his body and mind, for what's about to come. The marathon is about to come."
The soon-to-be 30-year-old is entering this season with a focus that is different. He is ready to take more shots. He is ready to further connect with his peers (Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, etc).
Perhaps the most crucial piece of preparation when it comes to taking charge is in his work in bringing along the youth movement.
Again, there is a clear example of Booker's work with the under-25 group paying dividends. This is in second-year center Khaman Maluach - who the Suns are as putting as much stock into developing as anyone in recent memory.
Booker recognizes this, and working extensively with the 20-year-old over the course of the offseason is extreme proof of this notion.
Whether it's impacting the game via volume scoring, posting displays of efficient, timely shotmaking, making plays for others, or serving as a leader in any capacity, there's absolutely a reason why the Suns are still investing in Booker over a decade into the partnership.
Now, the goal is for Booker to boost his scoring efficiency after seeing a downtick last season. If he accomplishes this and remains an elevator of teammates, there's no reason to believe that the Suns can't exceed last season's 45-win benchmark.
It's unclear if Booker will play in Wednesday's preseason play against the San Antonio Spurs, but he will be prepared for the regular season either way.