The Phoenix Suns open the 2018-19 regular season on Oct. 17 against the Dallas Mavericks, and there's a chance star shooting guard Devin Booker will be in the lineup.

Booker underwent surgery to repair an injury to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in his right hand in early September. He is still wearing a splint on his pinky/ring finger, something he says he truly hates.

Booker, one of the best young shooters and scorers in the game, averaged 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game last season. The 21-year-old shot 43.2 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 87.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Suns gave Booker a five-year, $158 million maximum contract extension in the offseason.

Phoenix is not going to be a playoff team this season, so from the outside looking in, there doesn't appear to be any logical reason to rush Devin Booker back onto the floor. Hand injuries are tricky. Booker himself is admitting it's going to be an adjustment to play with the ailment. The organization should be cautious with how they handle this considering Booker is the franchise cornerstone.

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 team selected Arizona big man Deandre Ayton. One positive of Booker potentially sitting is it will put more of the offensive onus on Ayton and force him to be aggressive. Sometimes, rookies play cautious during their first couple of games out of fear of making mistakes. Not having Booker on the floor will allow Ayton to be the main offensive cog for the Suns.

Devin Booker is going to try and convince the front office in Phoenix that he's healthy and able to play. He's a fierce competitor and wants to be out their with his teammates. The Suns, however, would be wise to play it safe.