Things have not been easy for Jalen Green in his first season with the Phoenix Suns. Green has been plagued by a right hamstring strain, limiting him to just four games this season. He re-aggravated the injury last Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Green initially suffered the injury during a workout in the offseason before training camp. He was ready to return in the preseason, but he re-aggravated it in Macau for the 2025 NBA China Games against the Brooklyn Nets.
The former Houston Rockets star made his debut for the Suns on November 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was simply fantastic in his first game for the franchise, scoring 29 points to help Phoenix get the 115-102 win.
Two days later, against the same Clippers team, Green re-injured his right hamstring and went on to miss the next 33 games. The Suns were more cautious this time around, but the injury was persistent.
In just his second game back on January 23, the former No. 2 pick was limping after a driving layup in the first quarter. He has now missed the last two games with a right hamstring injury.
Suns Drop Incredible Injury News About Jalen Green
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before the Phoenix Suns took on the Brooklyn Nets at home, coach Jordan Ott shared some positive injury news about Jalen Green. He was a participant in shootaround and was feeling much better despite being ruled out.
“He had enough before he came back the last time. It’s more just, feel good. We’re right there. It’s nothing new. That was helpful, just eased the mind. He’s been out two months, so some of that is expected. It’s a new era for him, too. He’s never had something like this. When he feels right, he’ll be back out there. (He’s) dying to get back out there. We’re dying to have him out there, but we want to have him right,” Ott said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
The Suns were also without Devin Booker on Tuesday due to a sprained ankle. Nevertheless, they still managed to pull off a 106-102 win over the Nets. Dillon Brooks led the way, putting up 26 points. Mark Williams was also brilliant with 27 points and six rebounds.
Green Likely to be Under Minutes Restriction
According to Arizona Sports’ Kellan Olson, Jalen Green is expected to be on a minutes restriction upon his return. Green will be an effective player off the bench until he gets his rhythm back.
Olson explained why Green would thrive under coach Jordan Ott’s offense that unlocked Dillon Brooks as a No. 2 scoring option.
“Green, up to Tuesday, has played in five quarters, and while his return will likely come with a minutes restriction, his absence allowed Ott to avoid the juggling of a lopsided roster. But with that freedom, players beyond the initial frontlines of the rotation emerged, creating even more for Ott to maneuver now,” Olson wrote.
The Suns are battling for a Top 6 spot in a loaded West despite not having Green for the majority of the season. They are exceeding expectations at 28-19 past the halfway mark of the campaign.
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