Suns Guard Bradley Beal Wants to Return on Christmas

The Phoenix Suns' guard wrote in his open diary he wants to return on Christmas Day.

PHOENIX -- If it were up to Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, he'd be playing on Christmas Day against the Dallas Mavericks. 

Beal recently published part three of his diary in partnership with Andscape and NBA reporter Marc J. Spears, and this edition saw him open up on the team's struggles, his recent ankle injury and where his headspace is at. 

Beal sprained his ankle last week before the team announced he would be shut down until January. 

That obviously would see him miss Monday's meeting vs Dallas, though Beal said he was hoping to return on the holiday:

"I’m going to try to wrap this [ankle] up. In the back of my head, I pray I’m ready for Christmas because my boys love to watch me play," Beal said. 

"And that’s been another thing that has kind of hit me in the chest this year. My kids are getting older and they’re starting to understand the game a little bit more. They’re understanding when dad plays, when dad doesn’t play. It frustrates them when dad doesn’t play just like it frustrates you guys when dad doesn’t play. And I get it from all angles, man. I get it from fans, I get it from my family and I get it from my little boys.

"So, I’m taking it from all angles. All the abuse. But for the most part, man, I’m definitely just blessed to be where I am. And I’m happy that I have an opportunity to be able to play on Christmas. There’s no better feeling, no better gift than that."

Beal has played in just six games this season. Phoenix is 14-14 entering Monday night.