Devin Booker in health and safety protocols as Suns begin camp Monday

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is in COVID-19 health and safety protocols and will not participate in media day on Monday as the team begins training camp for the 2021-22 season.

The star guard confirmed on a Twitch stream Sunday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Honestly I’m feeling straight man. The only thing I’m dealing with is no taste, no smell which is the worst part of it. I am going to be back in no time,” Booker said.

Booker averaged 25.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2020-21 before helping Phoenix reach the NBA Finals.

He improved on those averages in the postseason, averaging 27.3 points, 4.5 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 22 playoff games.

Booker played deep into the summer beyond his Suns’ playoff run, as he immediately joined USA Basketball in Japan to help the squad win an Olympic gold medal.

The 24-year-old will be entering his sixth pro season.

The Suns will hold camp beginning Monday before opening preseason play on Oct. 4 against the Sacramento Kings. It is a quick turnaround for Phoenix, which was eliminated in Game 6 of the NBA Finals by the Milwaukee Bucks on July 20.

Phoenix’s regular season starts Oct. 20 against the Denver Nuggets at home.

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