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[Saba Sports News] Greatness often recognizes greatness, especially in the NBA. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker exemplify this dynamic.
While they’ve never shared an NBA team, their bond was forged through two Olympic campaigns (2020 and 2024). The respect and admiration between them remain evident.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Kerr reflected on Booker’s growth both in the NBA and on the Olympic stage:
“He was a great player from the start, but he’s evolved into a phenomenal two-way player,” Kerr said. “In the Olympics, he adapted his role from go-to scorer to defender and connector, excelling in every capacity. Then, when we needed him to be a star in the final games, he delivered. That ability to adapt and rise to the occasion is what makes him truly special—a great player and a great person.”
This isn’t the first time Kerr has heaped praise on Booker. He previously called him the Olympics’ ‘unsung MVP’ for his selflessness and versatility.
Booker’s defensive contributions were crucial, as he took on some of the toughest assignments against top international players. Beyond defense, Booker hit clutch shots, including key three-pointers in a quarterfinal game against Serbia that shifted momentum for Team USA.
Even on a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, Booker’s impact stood out. Curry himself echoed Kerr’s sentiments about Booker being the ‘unsung MVP.’
When Booker heard Kerr’s praise, he was humbled, acknowledging the significance of such recognition from a champion like Kerr—a man with a résumé that includes NBA titles as a player and coach, as well as Olympic gold medals.
As Booker prepares to face his former USA Basketball coach and teammate, Kerr fondly recalled their time together:
“I loved coaching him and Kevin (Durant),” Kerr said. “That was the experience of a lifetime, and those guys made it unforgettable. It was a thrill.”
Now, as the Warriors and Suns clash in a battle for dominance in the Western Conference, the mutual respect between Kerr and Booker adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.”