Devin Booker amazed the world in a blink by working his way from a rookie to a two-time All-star following his 2015 NBA draft. He has exhibited resilience and passion; no wonder fans are buzzing to know who raised this young man—insights into the life of Veronica Gutierrez, Devin's mom.
Veronica Gutierrez became known upon her son's ascension to the throne of mega-stardom. Once Devin Booker became a basketball star, automatically, his family stepped into a celebrity lifestyle.
The young sports star has a close relationship with his mother. Gutierrez, who is of Mexican-American descent, popularly described as Devin's mom, shares her son with Melvin Booker, a former NBA player.
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter of Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at American Airlines Center on May 12, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Although the former couple never married, as Melvin's constant movement made it challenging to build a family life, Gutierrez was intentional about raising their kid.
She invested time in being the best mother, and testimonies from her ex-lover and their son prove that she performed brilliantly.
WHO IS VERONICA GUTIERREZ?
Gutierrez was born to a Mexican father, Jesus Gutierrez —into a closely knitted family. She had a great relationship with her supportive father.
Before her relationship with Melvin, a former NBA star, she worked as a cosmetologist while nurturing Davon Wade, her firstborn. Nothing is known about Wade's dad, but he had a loving mom who was integral to his life.
After having her second son, Devin, in 1996, she maintained a closeness with Jesus, and he wanted his grandchildren to understand that family was everything. Gutierrez lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan but did not mind driving for two hours to see her father in Detroit.
Although Devin claimed he was too young to understand this at the time, the Phoenix Suns star admitted that the trips were refreshing and full of love. While recalling the visits to his granddad's, he talked about the unique bond Jesus shared with his daughter, adding that:
"He was just a really caring guy. He always helped my mom out when she was in need…She just always talked about his character and how loving he was, and just how he was the backbone of the family."
Even though Devin did not have an ideal family, as his parents never married nor lived together, he was blessed with a mother willing to do anything for her children.
Gutierrez's known romance was with Melvin, which lasted for some time in the 90s. It was not easy to co-parent with her baby daddy as he was a busy bee.
Melvin was a basketball player during his college days at Missouri University. In 1995, he became part of the Houston Rockets; later, he was signed to the Denver Nuggets, and finally Golden State Warriors.
Throughout his years as a professional player, he played thirty-two games. In 2008, Melvin retired and moved to Moss Point, Mississippi, where he trained Devin to excel in the same sport.
It also presented the perfect opportunity for the former Denver Nuggets star to make up for his absence. Melvin admitted that Gutierrez handled parenting brilliantly, partly alone, but she also wanted his involvement. In his words:
"She made it happen. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen. Ever since [Devin] was 8 months old, he was coming with me in the summertime. It was special. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone."
Apart from his loving parents, Devin has two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. Little is documented about their birth fathers, but they have a tight bond with their mother and brother.
WHO IS VERONICA GUTIERREZ'S SON DEVIN BOOKER?
Devin is the star of the family. He was born in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a white populated area. The Phoenix Suns player inherited his dad's love for basketball and his mother's passion for family.
In adolescence, he moved from his hometown to live with his dad in Mississippi, a poorer town populated by blacks. There, he polished his basketball skills. Although Gutierrez agreed to it, she revealed that:
"Letting Devin leave Michigan was by far the hardest decision of my life. I still have mixed feelings about it."
In 2015, the basketball star was drafted, but before then, he had gained experience and respect by playing in his first years in Kentucky. Devin was named the 2014-15 SEC Sixth Man of the Year in his freshman and lone season for Kentucky.
The Grand Rapids native also led his former team, the Wildcats, to the 14-15 SEC regular-season title, the 2015 SEC Tournament title, and the 2015 NCAA Tournament Final Four. As soon as the rookie entered the 2015 NBA Draft after his freshman season and was selected in the first round as the 13th overall, he joined the Phoenix Suns.
Apart from basketball, Devin yearned to be grounded in his history too. Although, as a child, he was not interested in the family trip to his granddad's, when he became older and had lost the adult, Devin felt compelled to inquire about his roots. The Phoenix Suns star said:
"I'm finally to the age where I realize I can ask questions…That was what made me… getting to the age that I'm at now, understanding how important that is, that's a part of me, something that I'm growing to realize."
As a young adult, Devin also believes he owes his mother gratitude. Whenever the opportunity arises, he makes the most of it. Recently, Gutierrez celebrated her birthday, and her celebrity son, a sucker for automobiles, splashed a hefty sum on a luxurious car gift.
VERONICA GUTIERREZ IS A MOTHER OF ANOTHER SON AND A DAUGHTER
Gutierrez's other kids are Wade and Mya Powell. Although all her kids have different dads, she taught them to be close. Despite Devin's fame, he still shares an invaluable connection with his siblings. During his early years, he played basketball with his older brother, and the boys stayed in touch after relocating to Mississippi.
Wade, an alum of WMU, is still faithful to the game; although he never established a basketball career, he is Devin's number one fan.
He attends the games and posts about his brother's team. According to Wade's Instagram bio, he manages the Phoenix Suns Charities and is into real estate. Photos also prove that he is a globetrotter.
The basketball star is close to his younger sister, Powell, who suffers from DiGeorge syndrome. For Gutierrez's youngest child, her disability did not clamp her passion for sports. She competes in the Special Olympics sports.
VERONICA GUTIERREZ'S SON DATED KENDALL JENNER
Devin and Kendall Jenner's first public appearance was during a 2018 double date with their former partners, Jordyn Woods and Ben Simmons. Two years later, Devin and the supermodel sparked dating rumors as they were spotted on a road trip.
Sources soon confirmed their involvement adding that the Kardashian-Jenner family had accepted the basketball star. In 2021, the couple proudly showed off their romance, teasing fans with sweet photos of them kissing and cuddling.
They remained inseparable and supportive of each other— scheduling trips and outings to celebrate their bond and to be present in their time of need (Jenner frequented his past games, and Devin attended Kourtney Kardashian's Italian wedding).
Early this year, Devin Bookergushed about his relationship with Jenner. According to the Phoenix star, navigating his love life amid fame came naturally. He said:
"Honestly, I'm enjoying life to the fullest, and that came off my tongue so easily because it wasn't always this way, but I feel like I'm in a good place right now."
While nothing controversial has been reported about the couple, an insider claimed they took a break in June but chose to remain friendly and support each other. However, before the month ended, the gossip mills churned news of a possible reconciliation after they were spotted smiling and staying close to each other on the Soho House balcony.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtwa25ma3q4tM5moKxlppq%2FsLrInJhmn6Wptqa%2B0Z6xZp2mmr%2B6wMeipaBllJrDb7TTpqM%3D