PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are going to be without star guard Jalen Green for opening night against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 22. Luckily, head coach Jordan Ott already knows who’ll replace him come Wednesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ott started veteran wing Grayson Allen alongside Devin Booker in each of Phoenix’s first three preseason games.
During Wednesday’s media availability, Ott confirmed that Allen will be Green’s replacement when the season starts next week.
“Yeah, right now that’s what we anticipate,” Ott said. “We get through these next couple days healthy, that’s what we’re thinking.”
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) shoots the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Allen averaged 11.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24.5 minutes per game. The 30-year-old sharpshooter made 46.7% of his 3-point shots, cashing 2.3 of his 5.0 attempts per game.
Allen may not be the dynamic, athletic playmaking guard that Green is, but he is still a formidable, connective role player who fits perfectly alongside Booker.
Fans are going to have to wait just a little longer to watch Phoenix’s new backcourt duo, but the wait may be worth it. Booker and Green, despite the Suns’ lowly expectations this season, are still regarded as some of the best players in the NBA.
Bleacher Report Ranks Booker, Green in NBA Top 100
Phoenix houses two of the NBA’s Top 100 players, according to Bleacher Report’s preseason NBA Top 100.
Devin Booker Ranking: 16
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) poses for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s lead man comes in as the 16th-ranked player on the list, sitting in between Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams at 15 and Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler at 17.
Bleacher Report’s Analysis:
Here’s what Zach Buckley said about the 11-year veteran’s ranking:
“Messiness with the Suns overall hasn’t really dimmed Booker’s star yet. He’s been remarkably consistent throughout the organization’s many transformations, albeit with some bigger fluctuations in his three-point splash rate than his reputation as a net-shredder might suggest.
Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots past Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
“Hopefully, this latest roster-reshuffling isn’t the one that dooms Booker. He’ll get all the shots and touches he cares to handle without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but Booker’s responsibility list will be burdensome, and the defensive attention he receives could be overwhelming.
“Overall, Booker seems content with the situation, and he’s clearly well compensated for it. But if Phoenix fades into obscurity, the hoops world will be without one of its better playoff performers in recent memory.”
Jalen Green Ranking: 81
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Suns acquired Green in the Kevin Durant trade, and he projects as one of the more interesting reclamation projects in the NBA. The 23-year-old guard reached heights of the 59th-ranked player on prior rankings.
Green ranks in between Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu at 80 and Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard at 82.
Bleacher Report’s Analysis:
Here’s what Buckley had to say about Green’s placement at No. 81.
“While Green played a big part in Houston’s playoff breakthrough, it says a lot that the Rockets are taking their next step without him. Maybe his trade to Phoenix sent him into the kind of movie-montage training summers that unlock the key to consistency. Or, perhaps it just highlighted the flaws in his game.
May 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) walks off the court after game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“The eye test makes you want to believe. He’s a 99th percentile athlete with good form on his jumper, a ferocious first step and enough passing chops to handle secondary playmaking duties. The numbers are less convincing, though. His shooting rates perpetually leave you wanting more, and his on/off splits suggest Houston made the right call.
“Green will have ample opportunity to rewrite his story as the Suns’ second-in-command behind Devin Booker. But opportunity was never the thing holding him back.”
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