Power ranking NBA Western Conference shooting guards

November 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (15) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 122-96. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Nov 18, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Bill Simmons has often told the story of hanging out with Magic Johnson in the ESPN green room during the 2013 NBA Finals, and watching Magic’s reaction as LeBron James led the Miami Heat to consecutive close wins over the San Antonio Spurs to clinch their second consecutive title and the first definitive performance of James’ career.

While not in the same stratosphere in terms of accomplishment or legitimacy, we’re seeing a Little League version of that phenomenon occur this year with Devin Booker and the league’s superstars. From Kobe Bryant to Klay Thompson, champions across the NBA are already giving Devin Booker tremendous public respect.

The kid has only been in the league two years. He’s twenty years old.

And here’s the thing: Booker is somehow in the middle of what might be considered an underwhelming season, sitting at 19.8 points per game and 33.7 percent shooting from 3-point range. Eric Bledsoe has taken the lead for a young team that could have been considered Booker’s when the season started. T.J. Warren might even be the most surprising youngster in Phoenix, not Booker.

Even considering all of this, Booker is most definitely on his way to stardom. That he has been able to come into the league and demonstrate play-making, driving, and leadership abilities above and beyond his reputation as a knockdown shooter is remarkable.

When the living legends show respect for a young player, fans would do well to open their minds and listen.

Home/Golden State Warriors