3 Keys for the Phoenix Suns managing Devin Booker being out

For it to still be as early in the season as it is, the Suns have lost many games to injury this year. Booker is just the latest in a line of players missing significant stretches of basketball with injury. DBook may be out for a while; however, other Suns will hopefully be back sooner than later.

Phoenix needs to get the roster healthy

Beyond Booker, the Suns still have a lot of injured players they should be getting back before Booker. Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet are both day-to-day and could return anytime. Payne played well while CP3 was out, and Shamet was finding his stroke when he went down—losing both limits the Suns’ options in terms of ballhandlers not named Paul.

Washington Jr. recently returned from an injury, which gave the team a lift. The returns of Payne and Shamet should both do the same.

Phoenix would receive an even bigger lift with the return of Cameron Johnson. Injured since November with a meniscus tear, Johnson had surgery and has been recovering. The fact he is traveling with the team on the current road trip is significant and means he is closer to returning than not. Getting Johnson back into the team and the rotation while Booker is out will be critical for the Suns making it without their superstar.

If everyone else can get healthy while Booker is out, it will bode well for his return. Likewise, some improved scoring punches and a defense commitment will improve the team. All three are keys to success for the Suns with and, in this case, without their superstar.