Watch: Devin Booker stuns NYC fans with 'Book 1s' sneaker giveaway
In September 2023, Nike announced the future release of the Devin Booker “Book 1” shoes. The brand informed basketball fans that the sneakers would drop in the spring of 2024, but others have copped pairs as early as late 2023. This year, more colorways have been steadily made available to the public.
In July 2024, Booker and the “Swoosh” brand dropped the “Team USA” colorway ahead of the Paris Olympics. The Phoenix Suns star joined other Nike endorsers, such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James, who released special color combos for the quadrennial games.
Devin Booker has given back to the fans for the success of his signature shoe line. On Monday, he went to New York’s West 4th Street basketball courts to do this:
Booker walked on the streets and visited outdoor hoop courts to interact with fans. He also distributed boxes of “Book 1” to several fans. Most of those who received a pair posed for photos with the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
New York Knicks fans are no strangers to Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns combo guard has a career average of 27.5 points on 46.7% shooting, including 40.2% from deep against their team. Against the Knicks, they will be cheering against him. Not on Monday though, as some of them received the “Book 1” from the four-time NBA All-Star.
Devin Booker broke Knicks fans' hearts last season at MSG
As Devin Booker plays for the Phoenix Suns, a team based in the West, the New York Knicks only see him twice in a season. In nine years in the NBA, “Book” has faced the Knicks just 16 times in his career, half of which were at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks fans have hardly seen him at MSG over the years. Booker’s only visit to New York last season was in late November 2023. He led the Suns to a thrilling 116-113 victory behind his 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in the game.
Booker responded by handing out a game-high 11 assists and nailed the game-winning shot. Naturally, Booker had “Book 1” when he broke the hearts of Knicks fans that day.
Next season, Booker’s only visit to New York in the regular season will be on April 6. Knicks fans will be hoping he doesn’t cause them more suffering while wearing his signature shoes.