PHOENIX – Grayson Allen is having a season of career highs for the Phoenix Suns, but the numbers don’t notify the whole story. Although averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game – all personal bests – the guard has found himself frequently sidelined by injury, a frustrating reality that overshadows his on-court success. Allen’s experience highlights a delicate balance for any professional athlete: maximizing performance while prioritizing availability.
Through 54 games played as of Saturday, Allen has demonstrated a significant offensive impact. He’s shooting 45.5% from the field and, early in the season, connected on 45% of his three-point attempts over the first 13 games. His usage rate, a measure of how often a player is involved in offensive plays, is a league-leading 24.9%, according to ESPN Stats & Info. He as well boasts a career-high 5.5 assists per 40 minutes.
However, the statistical gains are tempered by a recurring theme: unavailability. Over the past four seasons, Allen has consistently played around 70 games. This year, with nine games remaining in the regular season, he’s appeared in 45, and the interruptions have been a source of considerable frustration.
A Season Interrupted
Allen entered the 2023-24 season feeling physically prepared, stating he was the healthiest he’d been entering a year since 2022. That initial health translated to strong performances, but was quickly challenged. A series of injuries derailed his momentum, beginning with a quad contusion that forced him to miss seven games. He returned for a brief stretch of five games in six contests before being sidelined again, this time for nine straight games due to a knee injury.
“Going into it feeling good, it’s really frustrating,” Allen said Friday. “I don’t think I could have controlled having a quad contusion. I didn’t know that could get that bad. (Then), there’s two weird landings that happened with weird twisting knee injuries.” He characterized both injuries as largely unavoidable, stemming from unfortunate circumstances during play.
The knee injury, specifically, kept him out for 11 games spanning February and March. While he’s hopeful he’s past the worst of it, Allen acknowledges lingering effects. “I think mostly past them. I indicate, they’re not gonna (go completely away),” he said. “Some of the stuff that happened isn’t gonna fully heal until you got like four to six weeks in the offseason. So, it’s there, but it’s nothing more than anyone else is dealing with this late in the season.”
Despite the statistical success, Allen admits the missed games diminish his satisfaction. “I completely understand like it’s probably my best season in the league from like a performance wise, but too many games missed to really be happy about it,” he stated.
Suns Coach Praises Allen’s Development
Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott has been impressed with Allen’s growth this season, particularly his ability to drive to the basket. “I think he’s impressed all of us with this season,” Ott said Friday. “His driving ability, which we greatly need, especially without Jalen (Green) throughout most of the year. His ability to get in the paint and I think he’s taking gigantic leaps, and again, we’ll just keep talking about it, but that’s the way the game is moving.” Ott highlighted Allen’s importance in the absence of Jalen Green, who has missed significant time due to injury.
Other Suns Injury Updates
The Suns are navigating a number of injuries as they approach the end of the regular season. Dillon Brooks is currently sidelined with a left hand fracture, and Mark Williams is recovering from a left foot third metatarsal stress fracture. According to Ott, neither Brooks nor Williams has yet begun participating in five-on-five drills, which is the next step in their rehabilitation process. Williams’ recovery will be closely monitored to assess how his bone responds to increasing stress.
“It goes no contact, now contact, build it up to five-on-five. Five-on-five with half court, (then) full court. That’s kind of the steps (of) that normal progression,” Ott explained. “It’s got to be really diligent on those steps.”
Ryan Dunn (right groin soreness) is closer to returning than Amir Coffey (left ankle sprain) and Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), Ott added. Brooks has been able to maintain his conditioning through cardio work while recovering.
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix Suns return to action Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Against the Utah Jazz. The team will continue to monitor the progress of its injured players as it prepares for the postseason. Allen, despite his injury setbacks, remains a key component of the Suns’ success, and his ability to stay on the court will be crucial as the team aims for a deep playoff run. The next update on Allen’s condition, and the recovery timelines for Brooks and Williams, is expected following Saturday’s game.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website at https://www.nami.org/.
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