Chris Paul Voices Out Against Devin Booker’s All-Star Snub: ‘Bittersweet’

The 2021 NBA All-Star game will take place on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and we now have a complete list of players who’ll take part in the event. Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul has been selected to play in his 11th All-Star game, but Paul recently expressed that his teammate Devin Booker deserved a spot too. 

Devin Booker being left out of the All-Star team is considered the biggest snub by NBA fans. The 24-year-old is averaging 24.7 points in 50.1% FG shooting this season but has been left out of the Western Conference reserves, a decision which has infuriated many. 

Chris Paul reveals the importance of Devin Booker to the Phoenix Suns franchise

The Phoenix Suns finished 10th in the Western Conference upon the conclusion 2019/20 regular-season, but they’re currently ranked fourth in 2021. A lot of credit can be given to newcomer Chris Paul for rejuvenating the franchise and getting it back to winning ways. 

“First and foremost, it is an honor and a privilege to be an All-Star. It is something that I never take for granted. A lot of hardwork with my teammates and my coaching staff,” Chris Paul reflected on his selection during an appearance on NBA on TNT. 

“It’s probably the most bittersweet of them all because Book is an All-Star. Not taking away from any other guys that was named an All-Star, but our team, the Phoenix Suns, we go as Book goes, so he knows that and we know that,” the 35-year-old added. 

As much as Chris Paul takes the credit for making the Suns a winning team, the veteran also distributes a huge chunk of it to his younger teammate Devin Booker. It is a shame that he’s been left out of the All-Star reserves this year, considering the list was selected by coaches within the conference. 

Booker can still make the team- here’s how

Devin Booker being left out of the team called for fans to express their frustration on social media. In fact, even a few NBA superstars voiced out against Booker’s exclusion, but the Suns guard might somehow gain a spot in the All-Star game this year. 

Of course, they can’t change the spots after the voting has been concluded, but there is an exception. If any of the starters or the reserve players are injured, the NBA commissioner has the authority to call in a replacement. 

In this case, Anthony Davis is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, and there’s a possibility of him sitting out the All-Star game as well, which is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks’ time. 

Davis’ unfortunate exit from the reserve list might end up as a boon for Devin Booker, who’s currently the #1 option to replace the injured Lakers star. Should Davis confirm his unavailability, Booker will gain a much-deserved spot. Will it happen though?

 Also Read: WATCH: When Kobe Bryant Remembered Michael Jordan After a 1-o-1 with Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker