Suns' Tucker out 6-8 weeks after back surgery

The Phoenix Suns are likely to be without key contributor P.J. Tucker for at least the entirety of the preseason.

The veteran forward, who led the team in minutes played while suiting up for all 82 games last season, underwent a microdiscectomy on his lower back Thursday. The procedure, usually required to address a herniated lumbar disc, will put Tucker out of action for the next six-to-eight weeks.

The Suns' regular-season opener is Oct. 26 against the Sacramento Kings. Should he sit out the full eight weeks, Tucker would miss nine games.

Tucker, 31, has missed just eight games total over the last four years, while averaging 8.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 29 minutes per game.

A reliable defender, Tucker figures to be one of the veteran voices on a young Suns team this season.