“Forever Indebted”: Devin Booker’s ‘Game Changing’ Interaction With Ex-Suns Star’s Family Member Receives Major Plaudits

Despite public opinion swinging on them, NBA athletes tend to be kind, wholesome people. When push comes to shove, they can be terrifying athletes capable of spectacular feats. But, at their core, they too are human. Even though Devin Booker has become a common target for fans’ vitriol, he remains rather genuine when it comes to fan interactions. His love for the game, its legacy, and its legends runs far deeper than that.

That is how the Phoenix Suns superstar found himself in a rather unique encounter with Jamal Crawford’s son. The longtime Suns veteran himself has been a journeyman for multiple NBA teams, but his impact and cult following remain intact.

As the video of the 3x 6th Man of the Year recalling the interaction that Booker had with his son made it on the internet, JC had to show his gratitude. “Game changer from Book. Forever indebted.”

“I was in the gym with him and D-Book was coming to Seattle. He was coming to Pro-Am to support.” While he would miss the initial call, the call back would lead to the interaction due to one coincidence. “JJ came in the camera, of course, he’s a fan.”

When learning of the Los Angeles Clippers veteran’s location, Book would decide to join him. The him being JJ, not Jamal. “I wanna get in the gym with little bro.” Jamal explained how he wouldn’t ask Devin about such a thing. “I’m not one that will ever, like, ask for my son to work out with a pro.”

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“I would ask, ‘Could he come watch you work out?’ Just so he could be a fly on the wall and see it.” Further, Crawford was all praise for Booker and his incredible gesture. “That was one of the most proud moments, when I was just a dad and they worked out.” 

That interaction did, however, bring a drastic change in Jamal’s life.

The day Devin Booker changed mindsets

During their proceeding workout, the two were taking part in the 27-year-old’s regular workout schedule. However, “JJ was actually keeping up with the actual workout. And even Book was surprised.” Since then, JJ has been on a whole new mission.

“Since that day, JJ’s whole mindset has changed. When I’m coaching, I’m not a guy who played 20 years, I’m his dad. So, for him, it’s like, ‘Yeah, whatever’… He listens to me, but it’s a different feeling when one of your favorite players is saying the same thing. It resonates differently. Hits different.” 

That moment brought a change in JJ. “To see his mind open up to that and see how his work and his mind has changed…He wants it now and what it takes to get it.” As a potential Hall of Famer himself, Crawford can provide a fantastic base for his son to learn from.

Maybe, someday soon, we see another Crawsover in the league.

Read More: Jamal Crawford Disregards “Salty” Paul Pierce’s LeBron James Snub With Bold Assertion