The Phoenix Suns are off to a strong start, sitting at 6-2. That record has been aided by the play of forward Cam Johnson. But on Saturday, it was revealed that the Suns will be without Johnson for a while.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Johnson “has suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee.”
The Phoenix Suns fear forward Cam Johnson has suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources tell me and @sam_amick. Testing so far indicates the meniscus injury, and Johnson is receiving further evaluations and imaging.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2022
The NBA world was saddened to hear the unfortunate news.
This is your favorite shooter’s favorite shooter. Hate to see this. https://t.co/YIosx8rNb5
— Benjamin Bornstein (@THE_BOOMSTEIN) November 5, 2022
Brutal. https://t.co/hMSaURnBuo
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) November 6, 2022
NOOOOOOOOOOOO https://t.co/PN6jeCVcUO
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) November 5, 2022
Sigh 🙁 https://t.co/INInvRcxsR
— Anthony Nash (@_anthonynash) November 5, 2022
There is a wide recovery length for a meniscus tear. So, we won’t know how long Johnson will be out until those further evaluations are done and the next steps in the recovery process are figured out.
Key here will be plan of care moving forward. Firstly, if surgery or not. Secondly, if partial meniscectomy or meniscus repair. #nba https://t.co/W26uaJq76m
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) November 6, 2022
He is coming off of a season in which he averaged a career-high 12.5 points per game for the Suns. Through the first eight games this year, Johnson has been even better, averaging 13 points per contest. And while his field goal (44.6%) and free-throw (72.7%) rates are down from last year’s totals (46.0% and 86%, respectively), Johnson’s specialty of three-point shooting has been as good as ever. He’s presently making 43.1% of his shots from distance, which is a career-high.
So, while we don’t know how long Johnson will be sidelined, one thing is certain right now. For however long he is out, the Suns will be missing one of their key guys.
[Shams Charania on Twitter]
