Jalen Green Returns to the Court
PHOENIX – Jalen Green is thrilled to be back on the basketball court.
Making His Comeback
Green rejoined the Phoenix Suns for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers, playing 16 minutes off the bench and scoring eight points from six shooting attempts. This marked only his sixth game as a member of the Suns after a significant offseason trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets in exchange for Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks.
Injury Challenges
Injuries have hindered Green’s plans this season. He recently suffered a hip contusion that added to a persistent hamstring issue, limiting his participation.
Adjusting to Time Away
“This is the most games I’ve missed in my life, the longest I’ve been away from basketball,” Green shared. Previously, he had never played fewer than 67 games in a season. “I’m still working out, but not being able to play is tough for me.”
Looking Ahead
With his return, and only two games left before the All-Star break, both Green and the Suns aim to move forward. Coach Jordan Ott believes that Green’s reintegration could enhance the team’s ability to pressure the rim during the remaining 29 games of the season. “We’re eager to see how he fits in with our offensive rebounding, transition play, and cutting,” said Ott.
Trusting His Body
Green has faced setbacks due to his hamstring but is determined to overcome his fears of re-injury. “I was able to run without overthinking it,” he noted. “But trust has to build over time through gameplay.” He aims to return to his usual self, focusing on what feels normal.
Joy Beyond Injuries
Despite the challenges, Green maintains a positive attitude. Coach Ott praised his determination during rehabilitation and his supportive nature on the bench while sidelined. “His joy is infectious, and that will contribute positively now that he’s back on the court,” Ott stated.
Upcoming Schedule
As game intensity lessens, Green has the opportunity to regain his form without the stress of a packed NBA schedule. The Suns will face the Mavericks and Thunder before the NBA All-Star Weekend, allowing for some much-needed downtime, particularly for everyone except Devin Booker, who will participate in the three-point contest and the All-Star Game. “It starts with the minutes. Once he’s comfortable and his conditioning improves, we’ll be in a better position,” Ott concluded.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
