PHOENIX SUNS

Suns coach Monty Williams clears protocols, reportedly to rejoin team

Jan 4, 2022, 8:48 AM | Updated: 9:50 am

Head coach Monty Williams will rejoin his Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in New Orleans as they prepare to play the Pelicans, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Williams has missed four games after entering the league’s health and safety protocols on Dec. 27.

Associate head coach Kevin Young led an undermanned basketball team to a 2-2 record in place of Williams.

Phoenix, at 28-8, still holds the second-best record in the NBA behind the 29-7 Golden State Warriors.

Williams’ time on the protocol list came after forward Jae Crowder and guard Elfrid Payton entered the COVID-19 protocols. Since, centers Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee, plus wing Abdel Nader, have been sidelined.

Payton is the only player who has returned from the health and safety protocols, according to the latest injury report Tuesday morning.

With four players away from the team, the Suns have signed five free agents to 10-day hardship deals: Forward Emanuel Terry, forward Paris Bass, wing Justin Jackson, guard M.J. Walker and center Bismack Biyombo. Phoenix on Tuesday waived Terry to sign Jackson.

Guard Devin Booker has taken on a more aggressive role with his team down several rotation players and is averaging 28.5 points in the past four games.

Second-year big man Jalen Smith has additionally taken advantage of more playing time, averaging 16 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in the four outings as a rotation player.

The Suns face the Pelicans at 6 p.m. Tuesday on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

10 hours ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

1 day ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

1 day ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

Suns coach Monty Williams clears protocols, reportedly to rejoin team