Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren will be sidelined 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury suffered against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, according to head coach Igor Kokoskov:
“We’re going to really shut him down,” Kokoskov said. “That bone bruise is going to require some time off. He won’t do any basketball activities.”
“TJ’s not even in part of the plans of coming anytime soon,” he said.
Warren has struggled with injuries frequently throughout his career, not playing in over 65 contests in a single season since he was drafted by Phoenix in 2014. Unlike seasons past, however, the Suns have a pair of suitable options to fill his role in the starting lineup, with both rookie Mikal Bridges and recently-acquired forward Kelly Oubre capable of playing starters’ minutes.
Warren is currently in the midst of easily his best season in the NBA, despite his scoring average dipping a bit. The NC State alum has always been an elite cutter and off-ball mover, giving him plenty of opportunities to score. That is why, despite the lack of consistent three-point shot, he was able to average an impressive 19.6 points per game over 65 games played last season.
This season, Warren’s scoring average has dropped to an even 18 points per game, with his rebounds dropping as well. However, his three-point shot has seen a massive improvement over the course of the last year, with the pure scorer becoming a marksman from deep. Improving his percentage from 22 percent last season to 42 percent this season has been a great addition to the Sun’s offense, further proving why he will likely be a key cog for the team for years to come.
