Jalen Green's Suns Debut Hampered by Injuries, But Signs of Improvement Emerge

The young guard is working to find his rhythm after missing significant time with a hamstring injury.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In his first season with the Phoenix Suns, Jalen Green has struggled to find consistency due to a lingering hamstring injury that caused him to miss over half the season. As the playoffs approach, Green and the Suns are still working to build chemistry, but recent games have shown signs of improvement as Green regains his form.

Why it matters

Green's ability to provide scoring punch and athleticism is crucial for the Suns as they look to make a deep playoff run. His integration into the team has been slowed by the injury, but if he can regain his rhythm, it could give the Suns a needed boost heading into the postseason.

The details

Green missed the first 8 games of the season with a hamstring strain, returned for 2 games, then missed 33 more due to a hamstring tweak. He has struggled with his shooting, averaging career lows in points, field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage. However, in a recent game against the Hornets, Green looked more comfortable, scoring 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting, providing hope that he is starting to find his groove.

  • Green missed the first 8 games of the season with a hamstring strain.
  • Green returned for 2 games, then missed 33 more due to a hamstring tweak.
  • In a recent game against the Hornets, Green scored 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting.

The players

Jalen Green

A fifth-year guard for the Phoenix Suns who was acquired in a blockbuster trade over the summer. Green has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his first season with the team.

Devin Booker

A five-time NBA All-Star and the Suns' leading scorer, who is working to build chemistry with Green as he returns from his own injury issues.

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who has expressed frustration with the team's inconsistent play and is working to integrate Green into the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“I told him after the game, 'Keep stacking and compound these games.' It's not easy to trust it — I've dealt with (a hamstring injury) before — even though you're back and ready to play, especially somebody that's (as) athletic as he is and relies on his quick step. I think every game out there, he's getting more comfortable.”

— Devin Booker, NBA All-Star (The Athletic)

“Yeah, I was feeling that this morning, when I was out there at shootaround. This is the best I've felt, waking up and (feeling) confident in my hamstrings. It's in a good spot right now. It was bound to happen.”

— Jalen Green, Suns Guard (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Suns begin a six-game road trip at the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, which will be another test for Green as he looks to build on his recent positive performance.

The takeaway

Jalen Green's integration into the Suns' lineup has been slowed by injuries, but recent signs suggest he is starting to regain his form and confidence. If Green can stay healthy and continue to improve, he could provide a much-needed boost for the Suns as they push for a deep playoff run.