Report: Amid Groin Injury, Devin Booker Back in Phoenix for Further Evaluation

Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker is not with the team as they prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

There's no doubting the All-NBA talent Devin Booker possesses. The Phoenix Suns are much stronger with him in the lineup, and his two 50-point games prove exactly why No. 1 is needed in order for the team to get that coveted first NBA Finals title. 

The problem? Injuries have hindered both the Suns and Booker this season. Before Christmas Day's battle with the Denver Nuggets, Booker missed a combined five games (two due to hamstring issues, three in a row with groin trouble prior to returning vs. Denver) and played just four minutes against the Nuggets before exiting the game. 

He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game and soon was marked as out in the team's road trip to Memphis on Tuesday. 

Now, we know that Booker isn't even with the team. He's been back in Phoenix since Sunday night to undergo further evaluations on his groin according to The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. 

"Devin Booker returned to Phoenix after Sunday’s Christmas game for further evaluation after re-aggravating his groin in the first quarter of Phoenix’s loss at Denver, Suns officials said."

It's been a frustrating beginning to the season for Phoenix, who has dealt with injuries all through the lineup. Mikal Bridges is the lone starter to have remained fully healthy this season. 

Though the Suns have remained one of the top teams in the West, a road trip that includes Memphis, Washington, Toronto, New York and Cleveland is tough sledding for Phoenix. 

Reports suggest Cam Johnson may be back after the team's road trip, but Booker's immediate future is unknown. Departing the team isn't necessarily great, but the Suns are keeping Booker's future availability/health in mind.

Landry Shamet and Cam Payne are also out for the Suns tonight. They take on the Grizzlies at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time.