The Phoenix Suns made some massive roster changes this offseason, and by far the biggest addition to The Valley was Jalen Green. The 23-year-old coming across from the Houston Rockets, the franchise that selected him second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Green's time in Houston culminating in his first taste of the playoffs last season.
It was there he put 38 points on the Golden State Warriors - and although his team would lose the series and Green himself would go on to have some anonymous games - he at least proved he can score at the highest level when the game slows down. A skill the Suns are going to need from him as he helps Devin Booker as the second best player in Phoenix this coming season.
Alperen Sengun full of praise for former teammate Green.
Alperen Sengun - who was taken by the Rockets with the 16th pick by the Rockets in the same draft - recently sat down and had a wide-ranging interview with Socrates Dergi. You can check it out in full below - and as we work our way through the quietest part of the offseason - it is well worth a watch. Around the nine minute mark, Sengun was asked about the now departed Green.
It is clear the Turkish international has a lot of love for his former teammate, going on to say that "Jalen was like a brother to me. We learned the NBA together. We made it into the playoffs together, we came up from the bottom together." Sengun would also reveal that - although Green may have come across as cool to others - he is actually "sweet and talkative".
Clearly the Suns are getting a player who can bring a lot of great qualities to their locker-room, and it is something Sengun already misses. He also made a point of reminding the hosts that upon entering the draft, Green was thought of as the best player in the world for his age. When they reminded Sengun about Cade Cunningham, he again stressed that for his age it was all about Green.
Which is a little confusing considering they're both 23 and less than five months apart, but the point still stands. Sengun was well aware of Green's abilities - but upon getting to know the person - he was just as big a fan of who Green is as a teammate. Contrast that with what the Suns have had in the last few seasons, and it is obvious just how much of a plus that will be.
Kevin Durant may have had all of the talent - but as the Rockets are going to find out next season - his persona and desire to jump on social media for arguments wasn't always ideal. Fans in Phoenix still loved him - he'll rightly be cheered upon his return - but it is clear Green is going to bring something different, and the hope is that he can gel with Booker and his personality quickly.