Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker Returns to Training Camp Fully Vaccinated
After a week filled with questions regarding player vaccinations, as well as updates to league protocols, the Phoenix Suns added their own chapter to that story, with superstar guard Devin Booker unable to start training camp.
Held out due to league and safety protocols, Booker missed the always entertaining NBA media day earlier this week, as well camp’s first two days. Over his Twitch stream, he revealed that he indeed tested positive for COVID-19, and experienced its symptoms.
Devin Booker on his Twitch stream (https://t.co/tm4EgGPJBg) confirms he has COVID-19. Said it has been about a week and he'll be back in no time. He said he's straight right now and the worst part is no taste and smell. He did not want to say if he has been vaccinated or not.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 27, 2021
However, today he made his triumphant return back to this team, coming as wonderful news for the Suns—and the entire NBA for that matter. Although not taking any shots or working out (at least not yet) Booker spoke with head coach Monty Williams, unmasked and assumedly no longer sick or contagious.
Elfrid Payton getting some conditioning in with the mask on since he just received his second shot on Sunday. Meanwhile Monty and Book are talking in the background. No mask for Book, so maybe we can kill the speculation pic.twitter.com/0a1PWxMLtC
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 1, 2021
Even with Chris Paul’s noted leadership last year, Booker operated as the true backbone for Phoenix behind its dream run to the NBA Finals. He averaged 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during it, and often made hitting clutch shots look like child’s play.
The Suns certainly need him aboard if they hope to defend their Western Conference throne, and although everyone expected Booker to return to the team sooner rather than later, today’s events still come as a relief nonetheless.
Additionally, Booker felt comfortable sharing with reporters that he is in fact fully vaccinated. Assuming the same goes for Chris Paul, who hinted at his vaccination status but never confirmed it, the Suns now stand as a fully-vaccinated team.
Devin Booker confirms he has been vaccinated for awhile now. He’s getting his sense of smell and taste back gradually and said it’s great to be back with the team
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 1, 2021
Regardless of one’s opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine, this also comes as a significant sigh of the relief, eliminating any potential hurdles down the road.
Next. Phoenix Suns Preseason Outlook. dark
Motivated, talented, and now fully healthy, few things look capable of standing in Phoenix’s way during the 2021-22 season, which tips off for them October 20. The Suns currently own second best odds to once again win the Western Conference according to WynnBet.com, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers.