The Phoenix Suns are going through a disaster. Kevin Durant is the only star available to play for the team with the other two injured. Devin Booker was labeled as questionable for forthcoming games after suffering a left foot sprain. He suffered the injury while guiding the Suns to a season-opening win against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Booker did not play in the Suns’ hard-fought loss to the Los Angeles Lakers 48 hours later.
Coach Frank Vogel informed reporters before the game that he had “significant left foot soreness.” Frank had a special plan of action to manage the injuries of his players: “Make all decisions on all injuries on a case-by-case basis”. He answered when he was asked about Devin Booker’s updates, “I’m a ‘pro play’ guy if guys are healthy.”
Here’s Frank Vogel’s thoughts on keeping Devin Booker fresh through the season and getting him right for April.
Sounds like this will be his style for managing injuries.
“Make all decisions on all injuries on a case-by-case basis.
“I’m a ‘pro play’ guy if guys are healthy.” pic.twitter.com/wziSUgeLYQ
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) October 22, 2023
Such answers from Vogel have attracted unwanted attention from NBA officials. When asked if the NBA had contacted the Suns about its new player involvement regulation, Vogel stated that “they’re injured.” When pressed again, Vogel stated that the NBA had not contacted them. The new regulation encourages elite players to play by requiring teams to manage their rosters so that no more than one great player is unavailable for the same game.
Devin Booker missed the home opener against the Utah Jazz
With a left ankle sprain suffered late in the season opener against Golden State, Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker was ruled out of Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz. There is no update on when or if the Sun’s star will be available again. Bradley Beal is also still recovering from his injuries.
Due to the injuries, Kevin Durant was the only healthy member of the Suns’ new Big Three, who were defeated by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Booker had 32 points in Phoenix’s win over Golden State on Tuesday. Beal appeared in only two of Phoenix’s five preseason games, while Booker in three.
Beal has yet to make his Suns debut due to lower back discomfort, which has kept him out of the team’s first two games. Phoenix acquired the veteran guard from Washington in a multi-team transaction that included Chris Paul and numerous draft picks.
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal’s absences did not seem to affect their performance against Utah. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 26 points (8-11 FG), 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Eric Gordon chipped in with 21 points and 4 assists. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 19 points (7-13 FG) and 3 rebounds in the defeat.