Jalen Green: The Shot-Creator Phoenix Needs to Prove Out

How he got here. Green arrived July 6 in the seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to Houston, headlining a return that also brought Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea and a 2026 second-round pick. Phoenix wants him as a scoring guard next to Booker.

Last season's line. Across 32 games with Houston last season, Green averaged 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 25.9 minutes, shooting 42.2 percent on field goals and 31.3 percent on 7.1 three-point attempts a game, with a 74.7 percent mark at the line.

Volume over efficiency. His usage rate hit 30.9 percent, the kind of shot-creation load a lead guard carries, but his true shooting sat at just 51.6 percent and his net rating was 0.7. Closing that gap between volume and efficiency is the swing skill the Suns need from him.

What he costs. Green carries a $36.3 million salary this season and a $36.0 million player option for 2027-28, the second-largest number on Phoenix's books behind Booker's $57.1 million, on a payroll of $216.2 million that sits above the first apron.

Clean bill of health. Green is not on the injury report, a contrast with Bridges' ankle issue and Williams' shoulder trouble, both absences that open more run for him. He is the healthiest proven scorer Phoenix has available right now.

Early minutes spike. With a teammate sidelined, Green's playing time and scoring have both climbed over his past three preseason outings, though the sample stays short. Bright Side of the Sun flagged him this week as the player worth watching over more obvious names.

The verdict. Green needs to turn that 30.9 percent usage into steadier efficiency: more makes on those 7.1 three-point attempts, a true shooting mark above 51.6 percent, and fewer stretches where volume outruns results. That is the swing for Phoenix's offense this season.