There has been a fun, loose energy to the way the Phoenix Suns have approached preseason play ahead of the 2024-25 season, which is in complete contrast to a year ago. Back then the team had just added Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, with the former already an injury concern with a back problem.
The introduction of rookie Ryan Dunn is a big reason for the attitude change - although second rounder Oso Ighodaro has also played his part - as the pair have relished their preseason opportunities to get some reps. Dunn has already surpassed expectations, with even the likes of Bol Bol getting in on the act.
The latest injury news makes for even better reading.
Center Nurkic has yet to play in these tune-up games so far, and that looked like it might be a concern for the organization. The 30-year-old having a spotty injury history, although last season he surprised everybody by playing 76 regular season games, the most of anybody in The Valley.
Nurkic is as important as he is limited for the Suns - but with new head coach Mike Budenholzer wanting him to take more 3-pointers than ever this coming season - his value to the starting five looks like it might go to the next level. Which is why it is so great that Nurkic looks like he is going to be back just in time for the final preseason game, before the real action begins.
Sources: Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić (finger) who hasn’t played this preseason, plans to make his debut in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers. pic.twitter.com/vfQ37A3T1X
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 16, 2024
That last warmup is against the Los Angeles Lakers, a nice opponent to have when trying to get reps with teammates. They're big across the frontcourt and are a team the Suns are going to see plenty of this season, plus it is a nice opportunity to get out there with the new member of the starting group for this season in point guard Tyus Jones.
The Nurkic update is great - but it gets even better in the form of Devin Booker - who has sat the last couple of preseason games with a sore ankle. The injury was never thought to be serious, but the franchise were right to proceed with extreme caution. Much is expected of Booker this season - a run at the MVP award isn't out of the question - and this setback came at the wrong time.
Devin Booker set to return for Phoenix Suns' preseason finale vs. Los Angeles Lakers after missing time with sore right ankle (w/videos) #Suns https://t.co/HfrQoWuJun via @azcentral
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 17, 2024
Which is why the above update from Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic has come at the perfect time for the Suns. Booker has already been out there with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but the team are yet to have their confirmed starting five play a minute of action together. That was initially down to Nurkic's absence, with Booker then joining him for treatment.
But to have both back ahead of a regular season spin to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers and Lakers is such a boost for a group that have quietly been building something nice so far. The NBA will be happy with this development too, as both those marquee matchups are on national television, and having Booker especially back for those games is great for the league.
This also gives coach Budenholzer a few days of precious preparation to get his sets in order, and having a full compliment of players to choose from is exactly how the Suns would have wanted to start the season. Injuries will unfortunately occur as the season progresses, but this is a win for the franchise at the perfect time.