“It’s On Steroids Now”: D’Angelo Russell Reflects on Devin Booker’s Unmatched Competitiveness Growing Up

We know that Devin Booker and D’Angelo Russell are long-time friends. The two were in the same 2015 NBA Draft class and even then, the pair seemed to be tight. Of course, both of them traveled different paths in their respective NBA journey. Yet, their friendship remains solid and steady. However, it was D’Lo who made the first move. And it was out of sheer admiration for the Suns’ superstar’s domination on the court.

In the latest episode of The Backyard Podcast, Book and Russ discuss their basketball journey and various other topics. Or should we say, memories? A casual golfing session, filmed before Devin flew to Paris, saw D’Angelo reveal the exact point in time when he became a fan of DBook. The duo had first met during the NBA Top 100 camp.

And the change from Booker to Book when he stepped on the court was something his friend noted early on. “I noticed that competitive edge right away, though,” Russell pointed out. “[And] it’s on steroids now!” One of the more popular instances of that steroid-filled competitiveness would be none other than when Devin Booker dropped 70 on the Celtics (March 24, 2017), thereby becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so!

Watching a determined, hard-nosed, gritty Booker tearing through the court appealed to the equally competitive nature of D’Angelo Russell. And that was enough for the ex-Ohio State product to approach Book.

“If I remember correct, I was just like ‘Bro, what’s your name type sh*t’. Like ‘Bro, you like, you cold bro, like what’s your name?’ Because I remember we was guarding each other and he just dunk that! He was just polished. So I was just a fan. And from that point on, like I said, every camp we found a way to be like roommates. Then the older we got, the more we would just dominate together,” he reminisced.

A key pillar of Phoenix, Booker is focused on his goal of bringing a championship to the Valley. But it has never stopped him from making time for the people in his innermost circle.

Booker’s heart-warming gesture moved D’Angelo Russell to tears

In early July 2023, D’Angelo Russell took time to go back to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to host his basketball camp. Calling it Camp DLo, the kids had a special surprise from none other than Booker. Joining him was Obi Topin and Jae’Sean Tate. It was the off-season, so these guys could have just as well declined the invitation to do their own thing.

But they showed up. And that was enough to move Russell to tears. Talking to Kent Spencer of WHAS 11 radio, D’Lo said, “I don’t cry a lot, but this is something that I cry about. Just having the support from guys that I’ve crossed paths with over the years and them supporting me. This is the biggest thing you can do for me by showing up to my camp.”

Booker, for his part, had a similar outlook. “Camps, camp ball, we used to trade out our gear, helped each other out and always kept in contact. So it’s a relationship that is going to be forever.”

Clearly, the two have a relationship that’s built on the strongest of foundations! What do you think of this friendship? Do you fall into the category that believes NBA players shouldn’t be friends? Or do you think that true friendship drives competition and pushes each other to do better? And do you have any such friends? Let us know in the comments.

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