Trevor Booker happy in Brooklyn

In an interview with a South Carolina newspaper, Trevor Booker talked about how much he enjoyed last season in Brooklyn, from working with young players to playing “my game,” although he admitted adjusting to New York was not so simple.

“It was a pretty big difference,” Booker told Scott Keepfer of the Greenville News. “Utah was so peaceful and quiet and laid-back and relaxed, and then you go to the busiest city in the world. But change is good sometimes.”

Booker, in his eighth NBA season, had his best year as a pro. He posted careers highs in scoring (10 points per game) and rebounding (8) as well as assists (1.9) and steals (1.1). He started 43 games and had 33 double-figure scoring games.

Booker, who had been voted “Teammate of the Year” in Utah, showed that same character in Brooklyn, particularly in working with young players.

“When I was in Utah, it was pretty much the same thing, so it wasn’t anything new for me,” Booker said. “And I had fun teaching the younger guys the ropes – guys like Isaiah Whitehead and Caris LeVert, showing them different things they’d have to get used to.”

He was also happy when the Nets traded for K.J. McDaniels, who like Booker is a Clemson product.

That’s my guy, and when I heard he was coming to Brooklyn, I loved it,” Booker said. “We were both excited to get the chance to play together, and we’ve spent plenty of time off the court together when traveling to different cities.”

Booker didn't talk about his future in Brooklyn —he has an expiring $9.1 million deal— but if the Nets want his advice on a draft pick, he's ready to make a recommendation, another Clemson player, Jaron Blossomgame, a 6’7” forward. Booker, McDaniels and Blossomgame share the same agent, Andy Miller.

“He’s a smart kid with a lot of talent,” Booker said. “He’s going to figure things out pretty quick, especially with him being a four-year guy (in college). A lot of GMs (general managers) want to take the one-and-done guys off potential, but look at guys like myself and Draymond Green, who went all four years. I think that really pays dividends.”

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