Suns GM to involve Booker in all major decisions

Devin Booker, all of 21 years old, will be the shot-caller going forward.

Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough vowed Thursday to involve Booker in every major franchise decision. The third-year shooting guard will have a say in everything from teammates to head coaches.

"With his emergence and importance to not only what we’re doing in the short term but hopefully in the next decade-plus, I think it’s important to make him a partner in the process,” McDonough told Scott Bordow of AZ Central.

"Kind of show him the blueprint and vision we have not only for the rest of this season, but for the summers of 2018, 2019, 2020, etc. In terms of what he thinks are important characteristics for a head coach to have, what’s important to us as an organization, and how we build over a number of years.”

It's not uncommon for franchise players to have their voices heard, most notably LeBron James, but the situation with Booker is unique. There's no doubting his talent, but he hasn't even made an All-Star team, nor has he led the Suns to the postseason. Booker is also only two months removed from not being able to legally drink in the United States, and he's the fourth-youngest player on the roster.

Nevertheless, the Suns are turning the keys over. Booker already endorsed interim coach Jay Triano to assume the permanent role. He also vowed to conduct research into what players the Suns should target as they look to surround him with more capable teammates.

"I think that comes with what people call being the face of the franchise," Booker said. "I appreciate that because at the end of the day, it’s determining my future, too. It’s a heavy role, one I’m going to have to do a lot of research on, to see the type of players I want to play with. I’m sure I won’t be making the final decision but just throwing in my two cents and advice."

Beyond empowering their player, the impetus from Phoenix is likely one of appeasement. Giving the royal treatment to Booker will help entice him to stay put long term as they look to re-establish the wayward franchise's former glory.

Booker, understandably so, is thrilled with his situation.

“I know how much the city cares about the franchise, and that means a lot to me, playing somewhere where people actually care about the franchise,” Booker said. “I love it here, I bought a house here, and I intend to be here for a long time.”