PHOENIX SUNS

Robert Sarver: Suns F Cam Johnson getting cast off Monday

May 17, 2021, 4:10 PM | Updated: 4:41 pm

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) drives past Washington Wizards forward Chandler Hutchison...

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) drives past Washington Wizards forward Chandler Hutchison (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson took another step towards returning from a right wrist injury to start the week.

Suns owner Robert Sarver provided an encouraging update on the forward ahead of the NBA playoffs while on with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Monday.

“I hope so. I don’t know for sure. I know Cam was getting his cast off today and getting checked by the doctor,” Sarver said of the potential return of Johnson and center Deandre Ayton.

“Hadn’t heard anything. … I’m encouraged that I think both [Johnson and center Deandre Ayton] will play as well, but don’t know for sure.”

Originally listed as available with the wrist ailment on May 2, Johnson pushed through the next three contests, averaging 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds over 23.5 minutes per game. His 3-point efficiency took a hit during those three games, however, dropping from 36% to 16.7%.

Following the May 2 game, Johnson was off the injury report for the next two before missing the final six contests of the regular season with the wrist issue.

Johnson last played May 6 in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Before Thursday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Johnson was seen wearing a cast and dribbling only with his left hand.

Taking over Johnson’s minutes has largely been Torrey Craig. With Johnson sidelined the final six games of the regular season, Craig has averaged 8.2 points and five rebounds per contest. He shot 35% from deep and 47.5% overall during that span.

With Phoenix’s first-round matchup likely slated for either Saturday or Sunday, Johnson has some more time to heal up.

Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter (4) drives around San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter (4) is blocked by San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter (4) is blocked by San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) shoots over San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, rear, reaches over Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, center, for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, is fouled by San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, center, talks to his players during a timeout in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith (10) hangs on the rim as he scores against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns players celebrate a winning score by guard E'Twaun Moore during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio, Sunday, May 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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