This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A little less than eight months away his 21st birthday, one thing Utah Jazz rookie forward Trey Lyles does well is social media. And that's to be expected from most in his age range.
So Lyles has certainly heard and read of the comparisons between he and Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker. He's heard the talk that the Jazz picked between the two Kentucky teammates on draft night last June. He's seen Booker have a fast enough start to his NBA career that some pundits are labeling him a potential future All-Star. He's heard the questions wondering whether or not the Jazz should've drafted Booker instead of him.
"I heard about it, when it came down to draft day, the Jazz were choosing between us," Lyles said. "The Jazz decided to take me, so I'm happy for that. Being linked with Devin isn't a bad thing, because he's a great player. I think it helps both of us out. It motivates us in our play,"
When the Jazz face the Suns on Thursday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena, they will be facing one of the best rookies in the league. That's how well the 19-year-old Booker has been playing this season. On the whole, the numbers are good, but not eye-popping: Booker averages 12.3 points a night, along with 2.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds a game. But look closer, and you'll see a little more context. Booker's averaging 21.6 points in his last 10 games, and over 23 points for the month of March. He's had three 30-point games in March, and last week lit up the Golden State Warriors for 18 points and 11 assists.
Most knew Booker was a great shooter. What's being revealed is his ability to make plays with the ball for himself and others. Former Jazz point guard Earl Watson — Phoenix's interim head coach — is running his offense through Booker to a large degree, and he's thriving with the minutes and freedom he's been afforded. In short, Booker's been a bright light in an otherwise dim season in Phoenix.
"We keep up with each other through text and we talk enough to catch up with each other," Lyles said. "He's a tremendous talent and he's in a great situation where he can play and grow. I'm happy for him."
Lyles doesn't boast the same numbers as Booker. Being the fourth big man in a four-big man rotation — with Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors and Trevor Booker — doesn't offer the same minutes, shots, or opportunities. But here's the reason the Jazz chose Lyles over Booker: They loved his diverse skillset, substantial for a guy who's 6-foot-10 and 230 pounds. And he filled a need, being a big man with the ability to stretch the floor with his jumper. For as much as the Jazz liked Booker, they already had Rodney Hood at the same position. And as everyone can see, Hood has enjoyed a breakout second season.
While Lyles has averaged five points a night overall, it can't be argued that he hasn't shown himself to be a talented and confident player in his own right. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about him is this: Before last year's draft, Jazz brass envisioned their first-round pick spending some time in the D-League. Lyles hasn't spent a minute in Idaho. Part of this has been due to injury. But when he has played, he's made a positive impact. More importantly, he's had moments where he's shown eye-grabbing potential.
Monday night's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers is a prime example. Coming off the bench cold — he'd barely played in the first three quarters — Lyles scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter. And then he went out with a bang, getting ejected after an altercation with Cleveland forward Channing Frye.
"I think the sky's the limit for him," Trevor Booker said. "He can do a lot of things with the ball and he's very skilled. I think we've all tried to teach him what to expect in the league, just telling him little things like keep shooting. He's going to be in the league for a long time."
Fans love to compare, and the Lyles-Booker comparison seems like it will have staying power. But on this one, both sides may be right. Devin Booker is proving to be a good NBA. Trey Lyles is as well. If nothing else, though, the two players could end up being barbershop for a decade. Nothing wrong with that.
"Like any rookie, he's had his ups and downs," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "There have been times where he's been asked to play more minutes. There's been games where he's seen less minutes. He's had to deal with a lot of different situations, which for a rookie can be as difficult to deal with as anything."
Twitter: @tjonessltrib —
About Trey Lyles
• Was a teammate of Devin Booker's at Kentucky last season. Lyles started as a small forward, while Booker was a shooting guard. The two were drafted consecutively last June.
• Lyles scored 10 of his 12 points on Monday night in the fourth quarter of a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. His points were instrumental in the victory, as the Jazz pulled away from Cleveland during his time on the floor.
• Lyles was a starter with Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert injured earlier in the season. Now he comes off the bench, but still maintains a nightly role. —
Jazz vs. Suns
P At Vivint Smart Home Arena
Tipoff • Thursday, 7 p.m.
TV • ROOT SPORTS
Radio • 1280 AM
Records • Phoenix 18-49; Utah 32-35
Last meeting • Utah 98, Phoenix 89 (Feb. 6)
About the Suns • Power forward Mirza Teletovic hit a 3-pointer to lift the Suns past the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. … Devin Booker leads Phoenix in multiple categories, including scoring, assists and field goal percentage. … The Suns' roster has a Jazz feel. It includes interim head coach Earl Watson, and veteran point guard Ronnie Price. … Phoenix center Alex Len has reached double-digit rebounds in nine consecutive games.
About the Jazz • Utah is seeking its fourth consecutive win, which would be its longest streak since winning seven in a row before the All-Star break. … Trey Burke — now the third point guard — saw minutes as a backup shooting guard in Monday night's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. … Point guard Shelvin Mack has scored 58 points in his last three games. … Forward Gordon Hayward is listed as day-to-day with plantar fasciitis. Hayward — Utah's leading scorer — sat out Monday's game, his first missed game this season.