Devin Booker's PE game shoe against Pistons receives huge shout-out from legend Magic Johnson
Devin Booker wore a personal edition Nike shoes in the Phoenix Suns' 105-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. NBA legend Magic Johnson gave a shout-out to Booker for the colorway of his "Michigan State" Nike Book 1 PE in honor of the Spartans.
The Suns-Pistons game was held at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. It is the home arena of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team. It holds a special place in Johnson's heart given that he played for MSU from 1977 to 1979, leading to the NCAA championship in his final year.
"Ok, @DevinBook! Your Spartan green tennis shoes looked good last night in East Lansing for the Suns vs. Pistons preseason game!" Johnson tweeted.
While Devin Booker didn't go to Michigan State, it's still a tribute to the Spartans. Booker was also born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is just an hour away from East Lansing. The Phoenix Suns star signed a deal with Nike back in 2018 and extended it two years ago, as per Sports Illustrated.
According to Fox 17 Michigan, MSU alum and current Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia facilitated the preseason game at the Breslin Center. Ishbia was part of the Spartans' championship-winning team under coach Tom Izzo in 2000.
Booker told the news station that he maintained a relationship with Izzo despite turning down his offer.
"Izzo was the hardest call to make, but we maintained a relationship," Booker said. "When I used to go back to Grand Rapids after my first two years I would come over here and play open gym with the guys. So for him to still accept me like that even though I didn't come here. It showed a lot about, it showed a lot. Showed what type of man he is."
Booker ended up going to Kentucky to play for John Calipari, spending just one season there before declaring for the 2015 NBA draft. He was selected 13th overall by the Suns despite not being a starter for the Wildcats.
Devin Booker struggles in Suns' win over Pistons
It was a homecoming for Devin Booker on Tuesday night, but he struggled on the court against the Detroit Pistons. Booker shot 4-for-13 from the field to finish with 10 points plus three rebounds and one block. He played 22 minutes as coach Mike Budenholzer slightly increased the starters' playing time.
Nevertheless, Kevin Durant picked up the slack as he finished with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists in the Suns' 105-97 win. Bradley Beal had a solid performance of 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Tyus Jones had seven points and seven assists.