The Phoenix Suns entered their 2023-24 campaign with big dreams of a three-headed scoring machine, however, some serious nerve-related issues for Bradley Beal could severly hamper the potential of the threesome this season.
After swinging one of the biggest trades of the decade when they acquired future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant last season, the Phoenix Suns were busy again this summer building a contender. Not only did they ship off unhappy big man Deandre Ayton in a three-team blockbuster, but they surprisingly acquired Washington Wizards great Bradley Beal.
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On paper, the idea of trying to stop Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker over a seven-game series seems terrifying. However, the trio needs to be on the court together to build chemistry, and most importantly, make it into the playoffs. But, due to early season injuries to Booker and Beal, the Suns head into Thanksgiving barely over .500.
While Booker is back and the team seems to be heating up lately, the former Wizards star has only played in three games this season due to an apparent back injury. The issue affected him in camp and kept him out the first couple of weeks of the season. Then when he finally returned to action, he had another flair-up last week that will lead to being out nearly a month before he is reevaluated.
Bradley Beal missing more time for Phoenix Suns due to worrisome nerve irritation
On Monday, The Athletic NBA insider Shams Charania revealed some new details on the three-time All-Star’s “low back strain” and why there is a serious reason for Phoenix Suns fans to be worried.
“I’m told an assortment of issues has caused Beal discomfort and tightness in his back and, at points since the initial injury in training camp, Beal has dealt with nerve irritation from his back down to his legs,” Charania wrote.
- Bradley Beal stats (2023-24): 3 G, 17.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 33% 3PT
A nerve-related issue affecting such a sizable range of the body is not good. Furthermore, the issue returning, and then requiring a few more weeks to heal is a major problem for a player who has played 60 or more games just once in the previous four seasons.