Kokoskov: Devin Booker will play in Suns’ season opener vs. Mavs

PHOENIX — Devin Booker, fingers taped or not, will debut with his Phoenix Suns teammates in the 2018-19 season opener on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, coach Igor Kokoskov said Monday.

“Devin’s going to play on Wednesday,” Kokoskov said. “There’s no secret. He’s ready, he’s playing, he’s excited. He’s our big rock.”

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— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) October 15, 2018

Five weeks ago Monday, Booker underwent hand surgery to repair an injury to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in his right hand. He has since been limited to using his left hand while first wearing a protective brace on his hand but practiced since the end of last week with his pinky and ring fingers taped together.

“Devin is doing great,” Kokoskov said. “He’s in a good place. Very vocal, very active, looks healthy.”

The 21-year-old Booker proved he was one of the best young players in the NBA last season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

In the offseason, Booker and the Suns agreed to a five-year max contract extension worth $158 million.

“It’s just a completely different game when he’s in,” Ryan Anderson said of Booker’s return Monday. “I’m really excited for Wednesday, for him to get some, a little bit more experience outside the practice court. We’re going to have to build chemistry like everybody else. Book’s going to have to obviously get his timing back, get everything back but he’s such a great talent. Just having him back on the court it’s — I’m really, really excited about it for myself.

“It just feels good to have the full team back at it.”

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