Phoenix Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker took shots with his right hand Tuesday, a sign that he may be close to returning to the floor.

Booker underwent surgery to repair an injury to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in his right hand in early September. The Suns initially said Booker would miss approximately six weeks. Booker, one of the best shooters in the game, made 25 free throws in a row with his right hand. He is still wearing a splint on his pinky/ring finger.

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Booker, 21, averaged 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game last season. He shot 43.2 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from beyond the arc and 87.8 percent from the free-throw line. Despite Booker's stellar season, the Suns only won 21 games in 2017-18 and finished with the worst record in the NBA. Phoenix’s putrid season netted them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and the organization selected Arizona big man Deandre Ayton.

Booker signed a five-year, $158 million maximum contract extension in the offseason. The Suns’ best player said in August he’s ready to be the face of the franchise and it’s time for the team to win some games.

“It’s winning time,” Booker said on the “Reiter’s Block” on CBS Sports HQ. “With that contract, and even before the contract, I felt that pressure to succeed for the city and the franchise. They took a chance on me to be that [max] guy, I know it comes with a lot of leadership and responsibility, but I think I’m built for it. I’m looking forward to next year a lot, with the additions to the team, we’re in much better shape to have a much better season.”

Along with Ayton, the Suns also acquired Villanova swingman Mikal Bridges on draft night and signed veteran small forward Trevor Ariza in free agency. Phoenix isn't ready to compete for a playoff spot this season in the rugged Western Conference. They still have a young roster and are being led by a rookie coach in Igor Kokoťkov, but with Booker leading the way, they could take a step forward.