Despite his clear scoring ability at a young age, Devin Booker has become one of the most controversial stars in the NBA, especially after signing a max extension. Here’s why it was a no-brainer for the Phoenix Suns.

On a Phoenix Suns team mired in irrelevance for the better part of a decade, Devin Booker has somehow become one of the most controversial players in the NBA. For most, debate wages over whether the 21-year-old phenom is a “good stats, bad team” guy, or a potential superstar in the making.

In truth, it’s really not much of a debate for those who have been paying close attention over the last three years; Devin Booker should be less of a point of contention as much as a barometer for how much NBA observers truly love the game/hate themselves — i.e., who really watched the 2017-18 Phoenix Suns night in and night out, with the proper context in mind.

Subjecting one’s self to Suns basketball over the last three seasons was only for the most diehard of basketball watchers or the saddest of NBA masochists, so it’s hard to blame outsiders for looking at the advanced numbers, watching some clips of bad defense and declaring him unworthy of the max extension he received this summer.

However, in light of the five-year, $158 million deal that will serve as the backbone for all of Phoenix’s future cap sheets and free agency plans, it’s worth taking a look at Devin Booker’s game, contract and potential to defend a move that should really be seen as a no-brainer.