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Coaches in the NBA are constantly on the lookout for a player who can serve as a coach on the court - someone who is vocal, assertive, and knowledgeable about defensive strategies and offensive plays. This type of player not only communicates effectively with their teammates but also helps to organize and execute plays on the court. Being a vocal leader is a crucial aspect of good leadership in professional basketball, and players who possess this quality are highly valued by their coaches and teammates alike.

Which is why Devin Booker was reportedly "shocked" when Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer asked Booker to be less vocal on the court, the coach fearing it was drowning out his own message.

Chris Haynes had the report

"I was told that weeks ago Mike Budenholzer called his star guard Devin Booker into his office to issue a complaint," Haynes said. "That complaint, I'm told, was that Booker was being too vocal on the court and during timeout huddles. He implored his star guard to tone it down to let the coach's voice be heard. This completely shocked Devin Booker."

That report provided context for something

Booker said Thursday night

"It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking, things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and from what I've seen, that's not the way to get through it."

Budenholzer was asked about this before the Suns returned the favor and beat the Pelicans on Friday night and played it all down.

"Devin and I have lots of conversations. I think it's super healthy. Internally, some of this stuff have been shared with me. Usually I'm naive or in a cave, but Devin's care factor is off the charts."

Mike Budenholzer on Chris Haynes report Devin Booker was 'shocked'… pic.twitter.com/NOkG2r8b6u

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 1, 2025

The vibes around the 28-32 Suns are terrible, and this conversation fits right in with that. Phoenix has the highest payroll in the league but is on a path to missing even the play-in (Phoenix is three games back of current 10-seed Sacramento).

Speculation about a Kevin Durant trade

This conversation between Budenhozer and Booker is just more fuel for that fire.