Phoenix Suns: Cameron Payne wants to regain comfort with foot injury

Cameron Payne was wearing a boot on his right foot in street clothes, but he wasn’t as down in the dumps as one might think.

“Just knowing that I’m going to be playing,” Payne said. “That’s how I’m dealing with it. Knowing I’m going to be playing soon."

Payne will miss his 10th consecutive game Thursday against Dallas with a right foot sprain, after previously being sidelined nine games with a right foot strain.

“I’ve been through situations where I knew I wasn’t playing for a long time, and this is not a long time,” Payne continued. “It’s going to be a long time through to the end, but just as it’s been happening, I’ve been kind of cool, keeping my head cool with it.”

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The Suns announced Tuesday that Payne will be re-evaluated again in a week.

“It’s been an awkward feeling,” said Payne in describing how his right foot feels. “I just don’t really feel that comfortable. Like I can’t be myself. When I’m able to be myself, that’s when I want to get back out there on the court."

Devin Booker will also be re-evaluated in a week as the team announced Wednesday the All-Star guard "continues progressing.”

While Booker can be seen getting up shots after practice during media viewing availability, Payne hasn’t, indicating he isn't nearly as far along as his teammate.

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Payne initially hurt his right foot Dec. 13 against the Rockets in Houston after scoring nine points (3-of-4 from 3) in eight minutes in the first half.

After sitting nine games, Payne returned Jan. 2 at New York. He finished that game with eight points and seven assists in 18 minutes.

Payne then re-injured his foot Jan. 4 at Cleveland as he fell trying to guard Donovan Mitchell in transition in the first half. Payne had just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in nine minutes.

He hasn’t played since, but Payne remains positive.

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“I’ve been praying a lot,” said Payne, who received NBA Cares Community Assist Award for month of December. “I haven’t really felt too bad like I have in the past. Just been pretty straight forward and cool, but seeing the other guys come back is building my spirits as well.”

Cam Johnson (knee) and Chris Paul (hip) returned from injury during the five-game homestand that ends Thursday.

Payne also likes how Saben Lee has played in his absence. The Tempe Corona del Sol High graduate is on his second 10-day.

“He’s been holding it down, and that’s big-time for him,” Payne said. “He brings energy as well. He knows how to push the pace and he gets in the paint.”

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Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns: Cameron Payne wants to regain comfort with foot injury