Devin Booker says Suns rookie 'graduated' following career-night Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker joked during his postgame press conference that rookie Rasheer Fleming has "graduated" after a standout performance in the Suns’ 111-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Fleming, who scored a career-high 16 points, has continued to develop rapidly, earning praise from Booker for his growth as a player. Fleming’s performance marked a significant step forward, especially as he transitioned from focusing on defense to contributing more on offense. A week prior, he had been tasked with guarding high-profile opponents like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but now his offensive skills are catching up. Booker, who has seen multiple Suns rookies progress over the years, noted that Fleming and fellow rookie Khaman Maluach have moved beyond the "stay-ready" group—a term used to describe players still learning the ropes. "Both of them are doing it well," Booker said, laughing after the game. "We watched them from the beginning. You see the potential. You saw what they can do in training camp, and I’ve seen that plenty of times over my years. You just wait for the real game and see if it translates." Fleming echoed Booker’s sentiment, emphasizing the value of playing in the G-League and staying-ready opportunities. "It’s basketball at the end of the day," he said. "When Khaman and I are able to play in that, or the G-League, we take advantage, full advantage of that opportunity because it’s basketball and it’s another way to get better." The 20-year-old Fleming, a former St. Joe’s standout, has been working to integrate himself into the Suns’ offense while also improving his defensive versatility. His ability to create space, rebound, and find open shots has drawn attention, and Booker’s postgame praise highlighted his progress.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #khaman_maluach #rasheer_fleming #st_joes
