It was clear that the franchise believed in his talent as Robert Sarver signed him to a five-year, $158 million contract extension. But could he put a city on his back? Could he create a winning culture? Could he be a leader?
Simply because you make the most money on the team doesn’t mean you are the “leader”. It means you are the most talented from a basketball standpoint.
Booker has struggled with on-the-court leadership, often times displaying frustration with his teammates’ defensive positioning, spitefully fouling opponents following perceived missed calls, and receiving technical fouls whilst sitting in street clothes against the Spurs (I can’t let that game go…’The Great Mexico City Debacle’ on December 14, 2019).