Devin Booker expected to miss 6 weeks

Former Kentucky Wildcats sharpshooter Devin Booker will be shut down for six weeks after undergoing hand surgery, the Phoenix Suns announced Monday.

The surgery took place in Los Angeles and was conducted by doctor Steven Shin. Shin advised surgery after Booker missed the last 12 games of the 2017-18 season with swelling in his hand.

The procedure repaired the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of Booker’s right hand.

Booker was the 13th overall pick of the Suns in the 2015 NBA draft out of Kentucky.

In his first three seasons with the Suns, Booker has averaged 19.8 points a game, 3.5 assists per game and 3.3 rebounds.

Last season was a career year for Booker while averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.

At just 21 years old, Booker is now the face of the Suns franchise. He was given a five year $158 million dollar extension over the summer, and the Suns have slowly begun to build the pieces of what they hope is their next great team around him.

With the six-week timetable, Booker’s status for opening night against the Mavericks on October 17th is very much in jeopardy.

The Suns will need to hope for the best as Booker’s absence would surely slow down their rebuilding process.