The Phoenix Suns are finally back in regular season action later this week, but Head Coach Jordan Ott has revealed that Luke Kennard is struggling with a left knee tendon strain ahead of the meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunate timing, but it's an opportunity for others to make an early season claim for more minutes.
Coach Ott not worried about long-term availability of Kennard
Coach Ott spoke to the always excellent Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic after shootaround ahead of their regular season opener and mentioned that Kennard "Did more today, for sure, in practice. This was kind of a test day to see exactly where he's at. Tomorrow will be a lower day. Try to be right for Wednesday."
Kennard didn't suit up for the final preseason outing against the Utah Jazz with the same issue, but it doesn't look like the kind of problem that will have him sitting long-term. When he does eventually return, he will be a valuable asset off the bench for this team. Even if fans are going to have to endure some shooting slumps and periods in which he is played off the court as opponents pick on him defensively.
There is another silver lining to Kennard potentially missing the first couple of games, and that is the opportunity it could afford others to impress. Ryan Dunn made the most of some extra preseason run, and without Kennard could be in line to play with Coach Ott's second unit. If he can rediscover his shooting touch from deep, combined with his above-average defending, he will earn more minutes.
New addition Drew Timme is not in direct competition with Kennard for minutes, but if the Suns want to go jumbo against certain opponents, he could be one of the players who benefit.
When he does eventually come back, the Suns will have last season's league leader in 3-pointers made and will change how they play accordingly.
Suns having no other major injury concerns a bonus
This time last season, the franchise had no idea the injury woes of Jalen Green were only beginning. Offseason recruit Miles Bridges has also recovered from an ankle tweak and will be good to go against the Trail Blazers, and having Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks available is always a plus.
Kennard is an important part of this group, but thankfully the Suns have created sneaky depth that will allow them to be as competitive as ever, even without the marksman. Once he is healthy, the hope will be that he can have a Grayson Allen-like impact on this roster.
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