The Phoenix Suns are once again looking like one of the best teams in the NBA. Despite some questions surrounding their game plan this offseason, they are finding plenty of success in the early going of the season, as they have the best record in the Western Conference at 7-2.
Phoenix has been crushing teams this season with an average point differential of 11.2, but things could get a little more difficult in the coming weeks. That is because starting forward Cam Johnson is going to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
The team announced on Sunday that Johnson will be undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury was suffered on Friday night in the first quarter of the Suns’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers. While attempting to change direction and plant his foot, Johnson landed awkwardly and started limping right away, heading into the locker room.
This is a huge blow for Phoenix as Johnson has been taking to his new role in the starting five well. He is averaging a career-high 13 points per game, knocking down 43.1 percent of his 3-point attempts. To round out his stat line, Johnson is averaging 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks in only 25.3 minutes per game.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Cam Johnson & Phoenix Suns Updates
Despite moving into the starting five, Johnson is actually playing fewer minutes per game thus far this season than last season when he averaged 26.2. Now they will have to find someone to soak up those minutes for at least a few weeks.
Could we see Jae Crowder return to the lineup for the Suns? The veteran forward requested a trade before training camp got underway when it became apparent that his role would be reduced with Johnson replacing him as a starter. No deal has been reached yet, so Phoenix could try and bring him back into the fold as Johnson’s replacement.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Cam Johnson & Phoenix Suns Updates
Torrey Craig stepped into Johnson’s spot in the lineup in Saturday’s rematch with the Trail Blazers as the teams played a back-to-back against each other. That will likely continue to be the same going forward with Damion Lee and Josh Okogie playing minutes behind him off the bench until Johnson is healthy enough to return.