Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard made it clear who he wanted to fill his shoes after a groin injury knocked him out of the All-Star game: the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker. Gina Mizell of the Athletic details how the two guards share a relationship off the court. Lillard, six years older than Booker, has served as a role model for the younger leader.
Early on, Lillard told Booker he was one of his favorite individuals to play against. Lillard, 29, then started periodically reaching out to Booker, 23, discussing tips on how to lead a young team and topics beyond the court.