Suns’ Booker has influence on Special Olympic Arizona athletes

Booker's involvement in Phoenix community nets him NBA Cares Community Assist award

Devin Booker played an instrumental role in reigniting the passion for Suns basketball in the valley this summer, as he helped guide Phoenix to its first NBA Finals in nearly 30 years.

And in bringing back championship-caliber play to a basketball-crazed town, Booker also continues to make his mark off the floor, for the athletes of Special Olympics Arizona.

In early July, the 24-year-old Booker was named the 2020-21 NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner for his involvement in and around the Phoenix area.

Booker helped Special Olympics Arizona receive a $100,000 grant through his charity, Starting Five, in 2019, which helped fund a basketball court at the organization’s Goodyear facility.

He also surprised athletes with autographed basketballs, Zoom calls and other memorabilia.

Having only been in the NBA for six seasons, Booker is widely respected around the league and in the greater Phoenix area, and it’s easy to see why.