But perhaps “at the time” is inaccurate. If anything, last night’s ovation confirmed that this guy’s 2013-14 season will make him beloved by Suns fans no matter what happens this summer. And that made his 24-point, 10-for-17 outburst against the Jazz that much sweeter, since performances like this could be fleeting for Phoenix’s four-fingered, unrestricted free agent.
Last night, Hornacek turned to Green in a desperate search for someone who can make shots, as he has quite a few times in the last few weeks. The Suns’ offense has died a miserable, fiery death since the NBA trade deadline and subsequent roster shakeup, giving Green an opportunity despite more minutes heading Goodwin and Warren’s way.
He hasn’t always made the most of those opportunities; oftentimes he’s made glaring mistakes on the defensive end and on offense, passing the ball to the Green Machine means you’d better be ready to crash the boards, because there’s a 99 percent chance that ball’s going up.
Gerald Green had a 42.3 usage rate tonight. He had a 67.6 eFG%, so that's how a guy scores 24 points in 22 minutes.
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) April 5, 2015
But on the nights like last night where Green catches fire, Suns fans can’t help but think back on his remarkable 2013-14 season and wonder how it all went downhill so fast. It’s tempting to root for Green in spite of his shoot-first, shoot-again, shoot-a-couple-more-times-and-then-never-ask-questions mentality. It’s nice to see someone on the roster show consistent emotion, heart and attitude.
It’s almost enough to make you wonder if there’s anyway the Gerald Green and the Suns could repair their relationship and extend their union with a new contract this summer.
Because right now, Green is playing the exact veteran role the Suns need on this young roster.
Next: Green's Role