The Phoenix Suns may finally get Jalen Green back on the floor. After missing 33 consecutive games with a right hamstring strain, Green is expected to return Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Arizona Sports reporter John Gambadoro. The potential return would mark just his third appearance of the season and his first since early November in a debut year that has stalled almost from the start.
Green is sitting out of Monday nightâs matchup against the Brooklyn Nets in the first leg of Phoenixâs back-to-back. Still, his status continues to trend upward. The Suns upgraded the 23-year-old guard to questionable for the first time since the injury, a notable step after more than two months on the sideline.
A Long Road Back After a Sudden Setback
Green has not played since Nov. 8, but the absence feels even longer given how abruptly it began.
In his Suns debut earlier that week, Green erupted for 29 points, immediately showcasing the downhill speed and scoring punch Phoenix envisioned when it added him to the roster. He suffered the hamstring injury the very next game and has not returned since.
Before arriving in Phoenix, Green had played 192 consecutive games, playoffs included, without missing time. Then the streak ended almost immediately. Because of this, Phoenix has resisted the temptation to rush Green back, even as the team navigated long stretches without one of its most explosive perimeter weapons.
Head coach Jordan Ott has consistently emphasized progress rather than timelines, noting that Green continues to move in the right direction.
âEverything seemed to be good. So weâll see,â Ott said over the weekend. âStill going in the right direction.â
Ott also highlighted the behind-the-scenes work Green has been able to do despite not playing in games.
âThey actually get a lot more done with five-on-five than even some of our practices in the season,â Ott explained. âWe have that âstay ready groupâ that does some drill work and mixes it up half-court, full court. Heâs able to pop in our shootarounds. Heâs still in our shootarounds the best he can. Just would love to see him out there in a jersey.â
Booker, Locker Room Eager for Greenâs Return
Devin Booker has made it clear how much the team wants Green back, especially after watching and following what the process has taken out of him mentally.
âIâm happy for him. Iâm excited for him,â Booker said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. âNobody wants to miss time. Heâs been healthy the majority of his career. So I know heâs itching to get out there.â
Booker of course also highlighted the on-court impact Green brings when healthy.
âHeâs another person out there thatâll have rim presence for us and draw a lot of fouls,â Booker told reporters Saturday. âWeâre all getting excited for Jalen. Heâs been licking his chops getting ready for this moment. I think weâve overdone it with keeping him out. Heâs going to be healthy and strong and ready to go.â
What Greenâs Return Could Mean
If Green does return Tuesday in Philadelphia, expectations will remain measured. It’s likely that he may even be on a minutes restriction as he continues to work himself into game shape.
Still, for a Suns team that has waited months to reintegrate a key piece, simply having Green back in uniform would matter. His speed, rim pressure, and ability to tilt the floor give Phoenix a dimension it has lacked for much of the season. For now, the finish line finally appears in sight.
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