P.J. Tucker Injury: Updates on Suns Forward's Recovery from Back Surgery

Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker underwent a microdiscectomy procedure on his lower back Thursday, per Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.

Continue for updates.

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Tucker Might Not Be Ready for Regular Season

Thursday, Sept. 15

Tucker is expected to miss six to eight weeks, which will put his playing status for the team's regular-season opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26 in jeopardy. 

The Suns will now have to wait longer for their small forward unit to get back together. After undergoing season-ending foot surgery in February, TJ Warren announced on Wednesday that he has been cleared to return to the court. 

Tucker appeared in all 82 games last season as the Suns' starting 3, averaging eight points and 6.2 rebounds per game. 

He's seen a minor decrease in his numbers over the past three seasons, as he put up 9.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 2013-14. 

While his stat line doesn't suggest much, Tucker's style of play has been greatly appreciated by the organization, as he's won the Majerle Hustle Award in each of his four seasons with the team:

His reliability has also made him an invaluable member of the Suns frontcourt, as he's missed just eight games during his stint in Phoenix. 

With Tucker sidelined for an extended period of time, Warren will have a chance to get regular starting minutes. 

While he's only appeared in a combined 87 games over his first two years in the league, Warren averaged 11 points in just under 23 minutes per game last season. 

If he is able to impress Phoenix management during the preseason as the starter in front of veteran Jared Dudley, Tucker could return to a slightly diminished role by the time he recovers. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.