If you’ve noticed Devin Booker being a little quieter on the court recently, there might be a reason why. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reportedly “shocked” Booker with a request to talk less during games, per NBA reporter Chris Haynes.

Per Haynes, Budenholzer called the star Suns guard into his office a few weeks ago to tell him that he was “being too vocal” on the court and during huddles, and asked him to “tone it down” in order to let the coach speak.

The report puts into context the comments that Booker made after the Suns’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, where the guard advocated for “constant communication” as something that Phoenix has been missing.

When asked postgame about his frustration with not executing the game plan, Booker said it’s “been the story of the season thus far.”

“It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking,” Booker said. “[When] things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and from what I’ve seen, that’s not the way to get through it.”

Booker said that he wants everybody to be on the same page on the court.

“It’s ongoing communication. I’d rather two people say the wrong thing to each other out there than nobody talk at all,” he added. “It’s like any job or any group project that you do — you have to do it together.”

When asked if he felt he could have done anything to improve, Booker deflected some of that responsibility. The 28-year-old guard netted 36 points in the loss, leading both teams in scoring.

“Yeah, I always look at myself first,” Booker said, then paused. “But I also talk a lot.”

Booker has spent his entire NBA career in Phoenix, and has long been the core of the team. He is currently averaging 26.4 points per game — second on the team behind Kevin Durant, who is averaging 26.9 — plus 6.8 assists, four rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

With Thursday’s loss, the Suns are now 27-32, and have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Phoenix faces the 16-43 Pelicans again at home on Friday.

Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer’s relationship is still in its early stages, but it’s already shaping up to be an interesting dynamic. Booker, as the face of the Phoenix Suns, is a passionate leader on the court, known for his fiery competitiveness and vocal presence. Budenholzer, on the other hand, comes in as a championship-winning coach with a structured, disciplined approach to the game. Their working relationship will depend on how well they can balance Booker’s natural leadership with Budenholzer’s strategic vision for the team.

Booker has thrived under coaches who let him play freely and express himself, so Budenholzer’s request for him to talk less on the court reportedly came as a shock. As someone who leads through both his actions and his words, Booker takes pride in motivating his teammates and setting the tone for the game. If Budenholzer is looking to implement a quieter, more controlled style of communication, it could create some early friction. However, great players and great coaches find ways to adapt, and Booker has shown in the past that he’s willing to evolve for the sake of winning.

Despite this surprising request, there’s no doubt that both Booker and Budenholzer have the same ultimate goal—bringing a championship to Phoenix. Budenholzer’s track record with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he helped Giannis Antetokounmpo reach new heights, suggests he knows how to manage superstar talent. If he and Booker can establish trust and a shared understanding, their partnership could elevate the Suns to true title contenders. However, if their communication styles clash too much, it could lead to underlying tensions that impact team chemistry.

In the end, their relationship will be defined by mutual respect and their ability to adjust to each other’s philosophies. Booker is at the peak of his career and wants to win now, while Budenholzer has the experience to help him get there. If they can align their visions and work through any early misunderstandings, this could be the duo that finally brings a championship to Phoenix. But if they struggle to find common ground, the Suns might face more challenges than expected on their quest for NBA glory.