When the Phoenix Suns drafted Devin Booker back in 2015, the franchise was at one of their lowest points. Because of the lack of talent and bad management, they hadn’t been to the playoffs in the last five years. And things did not get any better once Booker arrived, as they missed the postseason for five more years. However, the four-time All-Star does not regret the experience and those rough days as he revealed a shocking ‘tough love moment’ he shared with veteran leader PJ Tucker during his rookie year.

Making an appearance on Laker D’Angelo Russell’s Backyard pod, Booker was asked what he remembers from the scrimmages during his rookie season. Sure enough, he recalled a specific practice held at an open gym in Mexico City with hundreds of fans in attendance. And that’s when things got a bit heated between the rookie and PJ Tucker, “We got into it like we usually do. This is probably the most physical one. He comes in, soft head butts to my chin, so I had to get him off me real quick. They separated us.”

Although the practice ended, there was still a bit of heat left between the two. They took separate buses to the hotel. And when Booker arrived at the hotel’s hallway, lo-and-behold, “Turn the corner, it’s just PJ right there.”

Obviously, the initial thought that came to Devin Booker’s mind was that PJ wanted to finish what they started earlier at practice. However, the rookie was left in shock by what happened next. “He comes in, just wraps me up, just grabs me. ‘Rook, I can’t let you be a part of this man, this losing sh*t man, this ain’t the real NBA. You too good for that.”

“You need somebody that’s gonna push you. Every day.’” Drafted as the 13 pick that year, Booker had already shown signs of being a future superstar. However, the Suns finished that season as the bottom two seed with a 23-59 record. But despite their altercation, Tucker wanted a better situation for his young rookie, which eventually panned out.

Devin Booker “love” the struggles of initial years, as Suns’ 2020 statement signing turned into his ‘push’

Because of such interactions with his veteran leaders, Booker has a lot of fond memories of his initial years in the league despite the on-court failures. “That’s a small example where people like yeah, I was getting my head beaten the first few years, but can’t replicate those moments and the type of vets, and you know, I just my situation I love how it went,” he said. However, Tucker was right about one thing. That Booker needed someone to push him.

Sure enough, after missing the playoffs for five straight years with Booker, the Suns made a blockbuster move to add veteran guard Chris Paul to the roster, four years ago. And the entire league felt CP3’s impact on the team from the moment he arrived in Phoenix as he helped the Suns and Booker reach the NBA Finals in his first season there.

Moreover, DB’s performance also skyrocketed alongside Paul as he made 3 straight All-Star teams. But more importantly, the Suns have not missed the playoffs since Booker has turned into one of the best players in the league. So, the initial hardships and veteran guidance laid the foundation for the ‘superstar’ that the Kentucky product has become today. Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.