One of the most beautiful aspects of Olympic basketball is seeing so-called rivals come together, playing on the same court, side-by-side seeking to win gold for their country. Every four years, fans of players like Steph Curry find themselves cheering for LeBron Jame s, and vice versa. This time around, a new name joined the ranks of those who transitioned from being disliked to loved: Devin Booke r.
Booker, who has solidified his status as a league superstar since the Tokyo games in 2021, played a crucial role in Team USA’s gold medal victory over France, contributing 15 points and grabbing six rebounds. He led the team with a +130 rating throughout the Olympics. Fans across social media, particularly those from the Mavericks and Lakers fanbases, were surprised to find themselves rooting for the same player they had criticized since the Suns emerged as contenders three years ago.
All it took was a stellar Olympic run for Booker to win over a whole new fanbase...
at least until the NBA season starts again. On everything I love this Team USA stint has changed how I view Devin Booker, I am a fan. — Niko (@nikotaughtyou) August 10, 2024 As a Mavs fan I gotta say.
.. it’s extremely fun cheering for Devin Booker.
— Jason Gallagher (@jga41agher) August 10, 2024 Devin Booker has never gotten more positive PR in his life. Gonna enjoy it until the fake hate takes over again, when the NBA season starts. — pain (@CHREEZUSCHRIST) August 8, 2024 Joel Embiid, Steph Curry, Bam Ade.