PHOENIX – The biggest wildcard for the Phoenix Suns next season is Jalen Green. The 23-year-old’s stock is at an all-time low after a disastrous playoff debut against the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 13.3 points shooting 37.2% from the field. Many analysts have tossed Green to the side as not being a winning basketball player, but Phoenix has an opportunity to unlock the former 2nd overall pick into being the team’s X-factor next year.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The top two aspects of Green’s game that the Suns need him to fix is his defense and efficiency. Phoenix’s roster is similar to Green’s old team, the Houston Rockets, in the stellar defensive weapons available. Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn are the prototypical 3-and-D any team would love to have, while Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach are young, stellar rim protectors to be Green’s safety net if outmatched on the perimeter.
May 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) stands on the court against the Golden State Warriors before the start of game six of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The efficiency hurdle is going to be the toughest to fix, as many young players struggle in that regard. However, being under the tutelage of four-time All-Star Devin Booker should do wonders for Green. In his four years in Houston, no other player on the roster matched him offensively, with the lone exceptional being big man Alperen Sengun, who plays a completely different style to young guard.
Booker struggled earlier in his career with getting to and finding his spots for his offensive game. Green is suffering through those same shortcomings, as he is trying to create offense instead of letting it come to him. Booker will be the most talented offensive player Green has played with in his career. The 28-year-old’s gravity will open the floor for Green to truly develop his offensive game.
Mar 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts in front of Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Green’s 2025-2026 stats prediction for Suns:
- MPG: 33.4
- PPG: 19.1
- APG: 4.2
- RPG: 4.0
- FG%/3pt%: 45.5%/36.2%
Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) shoots against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The prediction has Green scoring the lowest point average since his rookie season, which isn’t a negative, as his shooting marks and assist numbers will career highs. Green should learn from Booker on how to be a part of a team’s offense and finding others in stride when covered.
Bleacher Report named Green as one of the most overrated players in the NBA. The constant media bashings and fans trolling has flipped that moniker on its head to make Green underrated heading into next season. He won’t turn 24 years old until February of next year, as sky is truly the limit for him.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
