PHOENIX SUNS

Suns GM James Jones says Chris Paul is ‘trending in right direction’

Nov 23, 2022, 4:22 PM

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game at Foo...

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 22, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 115-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet were full participants in practice on Wednesday after missing the last seven and six games, respectively.

General manager James Jones jumped on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Wednesday and gave updates on their progress. He said they are both “trending in the right direction” and hopes they could return during Phoenix’s home stand.

The Suns play at Footprint Center Friday and Saturday.

“I don’t know when they’ll be back … but they’re progressing in the right direction,” Jones said. “Hopefully we can get them back this weekend, that would be great. If not, for the sake of certainty, we’re going to keep those guys out and let the guys know who are in the rotation that they’ll have to hold it down longer.”

Head coach Monty Williams said Wednesday’s practice was not a light day but did not include contact. He said the team will see how Paul and Shamet feel over the next couple of days.

The Suns have gone 3-3 without Paul but are riding a mini two-game winning streak. Phoenix bested the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night, 115-105, and is sitting in the top spot of the Western Conference at 11-6.

“This group, given everything we’ve been through, the pressure, the noise, the distractions, they’re starting to not affect us,” Jones said.” They’re starting to focus us more toward doing the things we need to do and competing.

“That’s the only thing we can control.”

The Suns are back in action against the visiting Detroit Pistons Friday night at 7 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7, ArizonaSports.com and the app. 

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Suns GM James Jones says Chris Paul is ‘trending in right direction’