Injuries Leave Opportunity for Suns' Bench
Opportunity has opened for two Phoenix Suns as the preseason begins to wind down.
In their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, both Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne exited early with respective hand injuries. On Friday, head coach Monty Williams confirmed both players would be re-evaluated in a week, likely putting an end to their preseason.
A blow, for sure, but nothing serious, which was a point of emphasis for Williams as the team concludes their preseason with two final games next week (Monday vs. Denver and Wednesday vs. Sacramento).
“It’s part of the NBA season,” said Williams. "[When] We play as hard as we do and you put your hands in there, you’re going to get bumps and bruises from time to time. Again, I’m grateful it wasn’t worse.”
An opportunity has arrived for anybody's taking, and Williams believes that's precisely what this time of year is for:
“That’s what the preseason is for. You want to be able to get guys conditioning. You want to get a rhythm, but you also get a chance to learn a few things about your team," he said to reporters Friday.
Dario Saric, who Williams stated could see more minutes at the four spot, may get an increased opportunity in these last two games.
Saric has looked strong in his return to action in Phoenix. He managed to score 12 points while grabbing four rebounds and one steal during his time on the court.
"I think it gives you an opportunity to look at different guys there,” Williams said on the increased roles for minutes with Johnson and Payne out of action.
One player who could possibly return to action is Josh Okogie, a tough/physical presence coming off the bench who can play either guard or forward lineups depending on the game plan.
Okogie, still out with a left hamstring strain, could pair nicely with Landry Shamet, who scored 21 points in Wednesday's win.
“I’ve really wanted to see those two in the backcourt to get some size back there and see if we can switch better and be a bit physical in the backcourt off the bench,” Williams said.
“Josh, he’s an elite defender,” Shamet said on Friday. “[He] plays hard. He’s a physical specimen. I’m excited for him to get on the floor with us and show us what he’s capable of."
The Suns are fairly comfortable with their starters, but now is the time for Phoenix to experiment and see which lineups they prefer over others.
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