The Phoenix Suns are eagerly anticipating the impact of a fully fit Jalen Green as they aim for a revitalizing surge after the All-Star break.
PHOENIX – Jalen Green is simply thrilled to be back in action.
He made his return to the Phoenix Suns against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, contributing 16 minutes off the bench, during which he scored eight points from six attempts at the basket. This marked only Green’s sixth appearance in a Suns jersey since a significant offseason trade that saw Kevin Durant head to the Houston Rockets, with Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks moving to Phoenix in exchange.
Unfortunately, injuries have impeded Green's ambitious plans this season. His most recent setback was a hip contusion that added to the challenges posed by a hamstring injury that has lingered throughout the year.
"This has been the longest I’ve been away from basketball in my life, and I've missed more games than ever before," Green expressed, reflecting on his previous seasons where he never played fewer than 67 games. "I’m still keeping up with my workouts, but not being able to participate in games has been tough for me."
With Green back on the court and only two games left before the All-Star break, both he and the Suns are optimistic about moving forward and leaving the past behind. Coach Jordan Ott is keen on increasing their ability to pressure the rim, believing that Green’s reintegration might be the key to driving the team towards the basket more effectively in the remaining 29 games of the season.
"We’re looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds with Jalen, our big men, offensive rebounding, transition plays, and cutting strategies. We need to find ways to get to the basket more frequently," Ott stated.
Green has not had extensive playtime with centers like Oso Ighodaro or Mark Williams yet, so Ott is eager to see how their screen game develops together.
"What we’ve seen thus far is his capacity to make effective rolls to the basket," Ott noted. "He has successfully executed that several times in the limited games he has participated in."
This season, Green has faced multiple setbacks in recovering from his hamstring injury, and overcoming the fear of re-injury is another challenge he must tackle.
"I can run now without overthinking it," he said. "Of course, there’s still an element of trust involved, trusting my body. But I believe with time, playing games, and just letting go of those worries, I’ll find my rhythm again.
"I’m focused on returning to what feels instinctive to me."
Despite the difficulties posed by his injuries, Green has managed to maintain his enthusiasm. Ott praised him for his dedication to rehabilitation and his positive demeanor outside of the game.
"His spirit hasn’t been dampened at all; his joy for being around others is infectious," Ott remarked. "Even when he wasn’t on the court, he was there supporting his teammates. This experience has been a growth opportunity for him, and I think it will benefit him now that he’s back in the game."
This is an ideal moment for Green to regain his form, especially since game intensity will decrease for the Suns, allowing him to focus on building his game fitness without the pressure of a packed NBA schedule.
Before the NBA All-Star Weekend break, the Suns will host the Mavericks and the Thunder. This upcoming break will provide seven days of rest for the entire team, except for Devin Booker, who will be participating in the three-point contest and the All-Star Game.
"It all starts with getting him the right amount of minutes," Ott explained regarding Green's comeback. "As he ramps up his competitive edge and feels confident in his conditioning, we will find ourselves in a much stronger position."
This exciting chapter for Jalen Green and the Suns raises questions: Will Green's return truly ignite a turnaround for the team? How will the dynamics shift with his presence on the court? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
