Booker to Special Olympian: Join Me at NBA Draft Lottery
Suns guard Devin Booker, surprised 11-year-old Special Olympics athlete Noah Smith with an invitation to the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery in New York City during a surprise visit to the 5th grader’s school, Navarrete Elementary School, on May 12.
Booker made his visit to the school during a Suns NBA Fit assembly for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at the school. At the conclusion of the assembly, he invited Smith and his older brother Brad, to attend the lottery with him.
Smith was born with a hole in his heart, and underwent multiple procedures before the age of five. He loves playing basketball, which he was introduced to by Brad, a volunteer coach in basketball, baseball and soccer.
Booker was touched by the sibling’s close relationship and shared passion for the Phoenix Suns, prompting him to extend an invitation both Brad and Noah to the Draft Lottery.
Booker, Noah and Brad will spend the day leading up to the lottery exploring New York landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge Park, One World Observatory and the NBA Store.
That evening, Booker will represent the Suns at the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine who Phoenix will select in the draft. The Suns are currently in position for the No. 2 overall pick and have a 19.9 percent probability of obtaining the No. 1 selection, and are guaranteed a top-five pick.
