ESPN’s Tim Bontemps Advocates for Devin Booker’s All-Star Inclusion
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game voting is set to close tonight at 9:59 p.m. MST. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is under consideration for a reserve spot in the upcoming All-Star Game. The announcement for the five starters from each conference will occur on Monday, while reserve players will be revealed on February 1.
This season, Booker has been a standout player, significantly contributing to the Suns’ success. Although his performance may not qualify him as a starter, his leadership has propelled Phoenix to become one of the league’s most surprising teams.
Tim Bontemps’ Call for Devin Booker
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps recently shared his predictions for the All-Star selections. He included Booker as a reserve candidate for his fifth All-Star Game appearance. In his analysis, Bontemps ranks Booker among other notable players, such as LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Kawhi Leonard, and Deni Avdija.
Bubble Watch Candidates
- Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns
- LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
- Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers
- Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers
- Deni Avdija – Portland Trail Blazers
Bontemps predicts that Booker will secure the final reserve spot. He believes the Suns’ surprising performance outweighs Leonard’s strong statistics. Leonard is currently averaging a career-high of 28.1 points per game and has been instrumental for the Clippers, despite the team’s struggles.
Statistical Comparison
| Player | Points per Game | Shooting Percentage | Free-Throw Percentage | Assists per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | 25.2 | 45.4% | 86.1% | 6.5 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 28.1 | 50.0% | 93.9% | 3.4 |
While Leonard holds an advantage in scoring and shooting percentages, Booker has the edge in assists. Furthermore, he has played in 37 out of the Suns’ 40 games, maintaining a critical role in the team’s performance. Bontemps noted that the Suns’ impressive journey makes a compelling case for Booker’s inclusion.
All-Star Voting Dynamics
The All-Star Game voting system comprises 50% fan votes, alongside 25% player and 25% media votes for starters. Coaches subsequently select reserve players. In the latest fan voting results released on January 6, Leonard led Booker by 43,286 votes. However, since fan votes only account for starters, Booker remains a strong candidate for a reserve selection.
As the deadline approaches, the competition for the reserve spot intensifies. With both Booker and Leonard in contention, fans and analysts are poised to see how the final selections unfold.
