Not as explosive as Stephen Curry or LeBron James, Devin Booker instead accepted to step back in a supporting role for his teammates to contribute significantly to the Olympic gold medal.
Stephen Curry was the hero for the US team in the Olympic semifinals and finals. LeBron James, with his tenacity and efficiency, was the hero for the US team throughout the group stage.
But an all-star team still needs egos willing to humble themselves to become “role-players,” silent contributors. They may be less noticed but are still extremely important to the overall success of the team.
According to US head coach Steve Kerr, that name at the 2024 Olympics is Devin Booker.
Coach Steve Kerr unexpectedly mentioned Devin Booker’s name
When reporters mainly asked about big stars like Durant, LeBron or Curry, focusing on Joel Embiid’s nationality or Jayson Tatum’s playing minutes, coach Steve Kerr wanted to turn the attention to Booker.
“I just want to say that Devin Booker is an outstanding player and is willing to do things that not everyone can do, ” the US coach shared. “Devin Booker is the silent MVP of the whole team and I don’t see anyone talking about him.”
Devin Booker is considered by the US head coach as a silent star in the campaign to win the Olympic gold medal.
In the US team lineup used in the final minutes of the gold medal final, Devin Booker and Anthony Davis were the two names left out compared to the superstar trio Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
While Davis anchored the US defense, Booker sometimes carried the offense when Stephen Curry was not ready. He finished the final with 15 points (6-9 FG) and was the team’s leading scorer in the first three quarters.
And not only did Booker set the stage for Stephen Curry’s brilliance in the fourth quarter, he also personally assisted the “chef” in a series of four 3-pointers at the end of the game, sealing a satisfying victory.
This is not the first time Devin Booker has played the role of an unsung hero for the US team at the 2024 Olympics. Previously in the semi-finals, he and Kevin Durant brought home many important points to help the US escape defeat against Serbia.
Willing to work hard on defense and then support his teammates on offense, not needing the ball to score or playing individually to shine. That is what Devin Booker has done to near perfection at this Olympics.
