Recent Struggles
That being said, Green has really had his fair share of problems over the last few weeks. It all started with a “DNP – CD” against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 30. Green wasn’t hurt, but head coach Jeff Hornacek never put him in the game. Over the next few weeks, we saw Green’s minutes off the bench dip dramatically and many assumed he would be sent out at the trade deadline.
But then Green was still on the roster after that trade deadline and with Brandon Knight still adjusting to his new team, Hornacek actually bumped Green into the starting lineup until Knight was ready to start.
Ever since that game against the Bulls, Green is averaging a meager 14.3 points per game. He’s registered yet another “DNP” in that time — due to the now famous “had to go to the bathroom” mishap — and he’s been a very different player now that he’s on a shorter leash.
Green is averaging 6.5 points per game in his last 12 contests while shooting 38.6 percent from the field. He’s been a major liability on the defensive end, he’s committed bad turnovers and fouls and since he’s struggling with his shot, Hornacek has had to yank him out of games pretty quickly when the results of his devil-may-care shot selection are so many misses.
It’s been a bad situation for both parties. Green’s confidence is visibly shaken, which has perpetuated his recent struggles. On paper, Green has more to contribute to the playoff cause when he’s playing like we’ve all seen in the past. But if he’s incapable of harnessing that kind of scoring production again, perhaps Phoenix would be better off giving his minutes to Goodwin.
Next: Developing The Younger Players