One more preseason game. One more tune-up. One more chance to get some rep in before they count.
The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday for their final preseason game before the regular season begins. With just eight days until tip-off, some players still aren’t ready to suit up.
On a positive note, Devin Booker, who has missed the last two preseason games due to ankle soreness, is reportedly cleared to play. Whether he will take the court in the preseason finale remains to be seen.
As for Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen?
Mike Budenholzer said Devin Booker is ready to go. Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen haven’t done any contact work yet so there is some still left in their recovery.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 15, 2024
Nurkic, who appeared quite slender during Suns Media Day, has yet to take the court in the preseason. It’s unfortunate, as fans are eager to see how he will fit into Mike Budenholzer’s system. Phoenix has emphasized taking more three-pointers, and with Nurkic shooting just 24.4% from beyond the arc last season, he could have benefited from some in-game reps to refine that shot. The expectation is that he will increase his attempts, a familiar scenario for him; just two seasons ago with the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 2.3 three-point attempts per game and hit 36.1% of them.
His lack of playing time could pose a concern as the season approaches, especially since he hasn’t had any in-game experience with his teammates in this new system.
Meanwhile, Grayson Allen is working his way back from an Achilles injury, one that should not be rushed. The specifics of the injury haven’t been disclosed, but Budenholzer has casually mentioned that Allen is on the road to recovery.
Oh, and Okogie?
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Jusuf Nurkic (finger), Grayson Allen (Achilles) haven’t done basketball work and Josh Okogie (hamstring) didn’t participate in practice today.
Specifically said Nurkic hasn’t had any contact. Working on conditioning.
Had scrimmage today. #Suns
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 15, 2024
Josh Okogie missed the Suns’ last game after exiting early in their second matchup against the Pistons, due to a hamstring injury.
While no timetable for the return of any players has been provided, there are just eight days until the season begins, and every game will count. The team will kick off the season on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the first official game at the new Intuit Dome.
Until then we wait, we hope, and wish both Nurk and GA a speedy recovery.