After a hot start to the 2022-23 season, the Suns took a significant blow to their frontcourt depth.
During a Nov. 4 loss to Portland, Phoenix forward Cameron Johnson suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for an extended period.
Replacing Johnson’s production will be a challenge for the Suns, as they are already without Jae Crowder. Phoenix and Crowder mutually agreed that he would not be with the team while the front office attempts to find a trade partner.
Here’s everything we know about Johnson’s injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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What is Cameron Johnson’s injury?
The Suns announced on Nov. 6 that Johnson had suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, adding that he would undergo surgery.
Cam Johnson is out for the rest of the game with a knee injury after he went to the locker room midway through the first quarter. Here is what Al McCoy and Tim Kempton saw. pic.twitter.com/FimLYvpyOz
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) November 5, 2022
“He’s a starter for us, so that’s always a tough blow, just to see a guy not be in the lineup, that kind of thing,” Phoenix coach Monty Williams said of Johnson’s injury. “That happens throughout the season. You just have to make your adjustments.”
How long will Cameron Johnson be out?
In their statement, the Suns didn’t offer a recovery timeline, only saying that Johnson will be out “until further notice.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Nov. 8 that Johnson should be able to return in one or two months following surgery.
Suns forward Cam Johnson had surgery today that removed part of his meniscus, a procedure that should allow him to return in 1-2 months, sources told ESPN.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) November 8, 2022
On Jan. 18, it was announced that Johnson will return in the team’s matchup with the Nets on Jan. 19.
Johnson is averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from 3-point range.
Cameron Johnson career stats, highlights
- 10.5 points per game
- 3.6 rebounds per game
- 1.8 assists per game
- 0.7 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 0.6 turnovers per game
- 24.2 minutes per game
- 44.0 percent shooting
- 39.2 percent 3-point shooting
- 83.8 percent free throw shooting
