He may have entered the NBA as a fresh-faced teenager in the 2015 Draft. But the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker is now hailed as one of the best scorers in the NBA. After all, not many can claim they scored 50 points in back-to-back games at 22. In fact, only Devin can. And now, at 28, he’s back at it after smashing another Phoenix Suns‘ record.

And no one is more delighted for Devin than his father, Melvin Booker. Now, you may be curious about the man who raised someone with the work ethic and drive of Devin. So let’s satiate your curiosity today.

Who is Devin Booker’s father, Melvin Booker? Did he play in the NBA?

Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 1972, Melvin was a standout player for Moss Point High School in Mississippi. Despite averaging 28 points as a senior, he received no recognition as none of the major four-year schools recruited him. Something that would repeat itself later in his life. However, Missouri’s assistant coaches ended up noticing him while scouting other Mississippi standouts. 

And that’s how Booker started playing for the Missouri Tigers despite being snubbed by most scouts. Booker was soon named the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year after dragging the Tigers to an undefeated conference record, 14 games with no losses. Certainly proved the colleges that didn’t want him wrong.

Unfortunately, Booker was snubbed once more, this time by the NBA after being glossed over for the 1994 Draft. But this just helped underscore Booker’s tenacity as he managed to have a career in the NBA despite the odds. He played 32 games for 3 NBA teams when all was said and done.

Booker would soon come across the mother of his son, Veronica Gutierrez. Sadly, they would end up not marrying owing to Melvin’s career as a pro basketball player overseas. But that didn’t mean he neglected his duties towards Devin. No, on the contrary, he would take little Devin to his basketball games. And this is probably what caused the love for the game to bloom within him.

And in doing so, he has ensured a lasting legacy by helping his son blossom into the player he is today. However, unlike his father, Devin has only played for one club throughout his career. And like we said before, he just set an incredible record for them. So let’s see what it was and how Melvin feels about his son’s future with the Sun.

What record did Devin Booker set for the Phoenix Suns?

Devin Booker scored 34 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. Sounds like another day at the office for someone like him, right? Well, you’re wrong, since this performance has now cemented Devin Booker as the highest scorer in Phoenix Suns’ history.

Devin, like his father before him, is also a victim of not getting the recognition he deserves. Constantly snubbed for the NBA All-Star game, Devin wrote his name in the annals of NBA history with the 23rd point he scored against the Blazers. His heroics have put him over HOFer Walter Davis in the Suns’ scoring records. And his loyalty towards the city of Phoenix may see Devin extend his record to unattainable heights.

When asked for his comments on Devin’s loyalty to the Suns, Melvin said the following. “That’s something he [Devin] always said. He always wanted to stay here. Kobe had a big influence on him. Kobe played with 1 franchise. I hope we can pull that off and do the same thing here. But this city, this organization is special to us. Not just him but our entire family.”

So there we have it. Booker’s father has laid out the path his son will follow. One that was paved for him by the late great Kobe Bryant. And we daresay that if Devin Booker remains at the Suns, he may manage to double his tally when all is said and done!