ESPN’s Tim Bontemps Backs Devin Booker for All-Star Selection
As the voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game comes to a close, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker finds himself in contention for a reserve spot. Voting ends at 9:59 p.m. MST on Wednesday, with the announcement of starters set for Monday and reserves to be revealed on February 1. Booker has emerged as a key player for the Suns, contributing to a season that has exceeded expectations.
Devin Booker’s All-Star Prospects
Booker possesses a strong case for inclusion in the All-Star Game, particularly due to the Suns’ surprising success. Although his personal statistics may not necessarily crown him as a starter, his leadership role could sway the coaches’ decision in his favor.
Tim Bontemps’ Selection Insight
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has included Booker in his predictions for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. He believes Booker will make his fifth All-Star appearance, positioned as the final reserve. Bontemps highlights several other players also vying for a spot.
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
Among these, Bontemps chose Avdija for a spot due to his improvement and the Trail Blazers’ playoff hopes. He preferred Booker over Leonard, citing the Suns’ overachievement and Booker’s leadership qualities.
Statistical Overview
Booker’s current performance stands at 25.2 points per game, with shooting percentages of 45.4% from the field and 86.1% from the free-throw line. He averages 6.5 assists, a notable strength in his game. In contrast, Leonard is enjoying a career-high 28.1 points per game and is shooting 50% overall with a staggering 93.9% from the charity stripe.
| Player | Points Per Game | Field Goal % | Free Throw % | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | 25.2 | 45.4% | 86.1% | 6.5 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 28.1 | 50.0% | 93.9% | 3.4 |
Booker’s ongoing engagement in 37 of the Suns’ 40 games further strengthens his candidacy. In contrast, Leonard has been present for only 29 of Los Angeles’ 39 games, adding to the argument for Booker’s inclusion.
Fan Voting Dynamics
The fan voting figures released on January 6 indicate that Leonard holds a lead of 43,286 votes over Booker. However, with fan votes comprising only 50% of the starter selection, the overall determination also hinges on player and media votes.
As the NBA All-Star Game approaches, the decision regarding Booker’s potential selection remains a topic of interest. His strong performance and the surprising success of the Suns could ultimately work in his favor.
