Devin Booker Opens Up About Regrets and Growth on and off the Court
Phoenix, AZ – July 2025 — In a rare, candid moment that has resonated with both fans and fellow athletes, Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker has peeled back the curtain on his personal evolution, expressing deep regret for what he described as his longtime “unapproachable” demeanor during much of his career. The three-time All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers admitted that his intense, often stoic presence once viewed as a mark of dedication may have unintentionally pushed others away.
“I maintained that attitude for way too long,” Booker said in a recent interview. “I thought being locked in meant shutting people out. I thought it made me look focused. But in hindsight, I missed out on a lot not just connections with fans, but real relationships in the locker room, too.”
Booker, 28, has long been known for his laser-sharp focus, relentless work ethic, and fiercely competitive nature. Coming into the league in 2015 as the 13th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns, Booker quickly became known for his offensive prowess and “Mamba Mentality” approach a nod to his mentor, the late Kobe Bryant. But with that intensity came a brooding presence that, while respected, was also seen by many as cold or distant.
In his early years, Booker’s reputation was that of a player who let his game do the talking. He rarely smiled on the court. Media sessions were brief. Public appearances were infrequent. Social media interactions were minimal. He was the embodiment of the old-school basketball warrior a throwback to the likes of Tim Duncan or early-career Kawhi Leonard.
“I was all about business,” Booker confessed. “Everything I did was centered around winning and improvement. I convinced myself that anything else laughing with fans, joking around during practice, even taking media seriously was a distraction.”
But as Booker’s career matured and as he rose to become the face of a franchise and a leader in the locker room, the costs of that stoicism began to show. Behind the scenes, teammates reportedly found him hard to approach. Younger players, in particular, struggled to connect with him. And fans, though awed by his skill, often found it difficult to emotionally attach to the man behind the jersey.
According to Booker, the turning point came in the 2023–2024 season, shortly after the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs despite a highly talented roster that included Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Booker played brilliantly, as expected, but the team’s chemistry—and morale were underwhelming.
“I remember walking off the court after that loss, and there was just… silence,” he recalled. “No pats on the back. No handshakes. No connection. I realized I was a captain in name, but I hadn’t acted like one in spirit. That hit me hard.”
It wasn’t just the locker room atmosphere. Booker also cited fan feedback, including one striking moment when a young fan, during a meet-and-greet, asked him, “Why don’t you smile more?” That innocent question sparked what Booker described as “an avalanche of reflection.”
He began revisiting old interviews, watching mic’d-up footage of his games, and reading fan threads online. The portrait that emerged was jarring: while the league admired his grit and poise, many saw him as distant, even robotic.
In the offseason that followed, Booker committed not just to improving his game, but to reshaping how he engaged with others. He began attending community events more frequently. He posted more on social media not just brand deals, but moments with family, behind-the-scenes footage, and even self-deprecating humor.
During Suns media day, he took a step further, acknowledging that his earlier “business-only” mindset had come at a personal cost.
“I thought being a killer on the court meant shutting out emotion. But that’s not leadership. That’s not real,” he told reporters. “Real leadership is connecting. It’s empathy. It’s being human.”
His teammates noticed. Young Suns guard Jamal Sheffield said, “This year, Book came in with a whole new vibe. He was talking more. Laughing. Giving advice without being condescending. It felt like he finally let us in.”
Booker’s transformation was also influenced by conversations with veterans across the league. He spoke openly about conversations with LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Steph Curry all players known for balancing competitive fire with charisma and leadership.
“Bron told me something that stuck: ‘People follow passion, but they connect with personality,’” Booker shared. “That changed everything for me.”
He also drew inspiration from retired legends like Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki, whose emotional authenticity elevated them into beloved figures not just within their franchises, but across the basketball world.
Booker’s new chapter is now unfolding not just on the court, where his game remains elite, but off it, where he’s increasingly seen smiling, giving candid interviews, engaging with fans, and mentoring younger players. The Suns’ social media team has leaned into this, launching a behind-the-scenes series titled “Book Unplugged”a raw, unscripted look at the man behind the jersey.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Former critics are now lauding his vulnerability. Fans are drawing parallels to other athletes who evolved beyond their initial public personas like Kobe Bryant post-retirement or even Michael Jordan in his post-playing career.
“He feels real now,” said a Suns season ticket holder. “We always respected him. But now we love him.”
With several prime years still ahead of him, Devin Booker is not only solidifying his legacy as one of the great shooting guards of his generation he’s also reshaping it. His recent openness has added depth to his persona and broadened his appeal. The once-muted star is now embracing the full spectrum of his influence.
“I can’t go back in time and change how I was,” Booker admitted. “But I can control how I move forward. I’m still locked in, still hungry but now, I’m also present. For my teammates. For the fans. For myself.”
As the 2025–2026 NBA season looms, the Phoenix Suns not only boast one of the league’s most skilled players but also one of its most introspective and humanized leaders. Devin Booker may have maintained that hardened attitude for too long but it’s clear he’s learned that there’s power in softening, too.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, NBA Leadership, Player Evolution, Basketball Culture, Mental Health in Sports, Kobe Bryant Influence, Fan Engagement, NBA 2025