Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker has dealt with several injury concerns to start the 2023-24 NBA season. The three-time All-Star has only played in two of Phoenix’s seven contests so far, missing multiple games with left foot and ankle injuries.
According to Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports, Booker missed Phoenix’s latest game with a right calf strain. He had previously been designated with a left ankle sprain.
With new injuries popping up left and right for Booker, the Suns could continue to struggle with continuity. Phoenix’s lack of health has led to inconsistent rotations early in the season, which has contributed to their lackluster 3-4 record. Booker’s injury woes clearly haven’t helped, and offseason acquisition Bradley Beal is yet to suit up for Phoenix due to back spasms.
Before his team’s 120-106 road win over Detroit, head coach Frank Vogel addressed Booker’s slew of injuries.
“He got an MRI last night, and it revealed a calf strain,” Vogel said, per Suns writer Duane Rankin. “So there is an injury there. He’s trying to get back as quickly as possible, but he’s dealt with a toe first and then an ankle and now a calf strain.”
NBA INJURY NEWS: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns Updates
Last season, Booker averaged 27.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 49.4% shooting from the field. Had he not missed 29 games due to injury, the explosive shooting guard would have made his second All-NBA First Team. Booker would have also made his fourth consecutive All-Star team.
By essentially replacing Chris Paul with Bradley Beal, Phoenix seemed to enter the season without a true floor general. However, not everything is as it seems.
In two games so far, Booker has already shown he can excel in an elevated playmaking role. The former Kentucky Wildcat has posted 10.5 assists per game to go along with 31.5 points per game on 57.5% shooting from the field and 53.3% from downtown. Booker gave Suns fans a sneak peek of his vision during last year’s playoffs when he dropped 7.2 dimes a game across 11 contests.
NBA INJURY NEWS: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns Updates
Booker will have a chance to return from his injury Nov. 8 against the Chicago Bulls. The Suns will look to even up their win-loss record at 4-4 as they visit a 2-5 team that has struggled so far.
