On Father’s Day, Devin Booker announced that he is swapping his longtime No. 1 for No. 15. The change was revealed in a video featuring Booker and his father, former pro Melvin Booker, in which the five-time All-Star said, “I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career. It’s always been a family number. Obviously (my dad) wore it and I looked at (him) as the blueprint for success.” The jersey switch is effective immediately.

Booker has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, wearing No. 1 throughout his professional career. He is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, with 19,520 points accumulated in regular-season and playoff games. The guard’s résumé already includes five All-Star selections and two Olympic gold medals, earned while wearing No. 15 for the United States in the 2020 and 2024 Games.

Photo: Yahoo Sports

Melvin Booker, a Missouri guard who earned All-America honors and the Big Eight Player of the Year award in 1994, also wore No. 15 during his playing days. In the Father’s Day video, he remarked, “It’s an honor for you to represent the family the way you do... To put that 15 out there on that stage, it’s going to be amazing to watch this season.” The number therefore links two generations of professional basketball experience.

The jersey change does not alter the Suns’ on-court scheme, but it underscores Booker’s central role as the team’s primary scorer and offensive catalyst. His repertoire, mid-range pull-ups, three-point bursts, and a quick first step, has defined Phoenix’s spacing for a decade. By embracing a number tied to his father’s guard pedigree, Booker reinforces a personal narrative that aligns with the Suns’ emphasis on continuity and veteran leadership.

Number swaps that honor family ties are rare in the NBA, where players often change jerseys for marketing or personal milestones. Booker’s decision places him among a small group of athletes who use a jersey change to cement a legacy rather than chase a brand refresh. As the Suns look toward the next season, the visual of a familiar face in a new number may become a subtle reminder that personal history can shape a franchise’s identity.