Jalen Green teases new version of himself Rockets always dreamed of

I'm not giving up on Jalen Green and you can't make me. Don't even try!

In fact, I think he's going to have a career year in Phoenix alongside Devin Booker, who will be easily the best perimeter scorer that Green has ever played with. At Suns media day, Green talked about his role in the Suns backcourt, saying:

"I'm excited to play with Book. I think it's going to be a good situation. I think I'm gonna be able to learn a lot from him while at the same time, adding what I can bring to the table. I think we're going to complement each other a lot, especially with the system that Ott's got us playing in. I think we're going to be playing fast, I think we're going to create a lot for each other and create for others..."

If Green can be a high-level complementary guard that he talked about — which Rockets fans always knew was the best role for him, and not the No. 1 scorer he was forced to be — then I think the Suns' backcourt really will produce more than folks expect.

Specifically, Green's comment about him and Booker creating for themselves and for others stands out. If Booker can be the setup man for Green that he never had in Houston — and his improved playmaking renders that a real possibility — then this backcourt could stand out even in a conference loaded with great guard duos.

Green playing in an offensive system should help his efficiency greatly

Last season, just 26.2% of Green's two-point field goals were assisted, and 53.8% of his 3-pointers. Those are incredibly low marks, even for players who are expected to create their own offense.

With Booker by his side and taking a majority of the Suns' ball-handling reps, those numbers of Green's should both rise dramatically. His true shooting and effective field goal percentage (which have both floated just below league-average throughout his career) should rise with them.

Rockets fans wanted two things from Jalen Green; more efficient scoring and more creation ability. They never really got those things — Green isn't without reproach here, but he was also never set up to succeed in either of those categories. Instead, he was asked to be the leading scorer and go-to perimeter offensive option.

In Phoenix, Devin Booker already mans that position, meaning Green will finally be able to play the secondary guard option, a shift that could unleash the talent that's made him such a promising player all along. Hearing Green talk about what he and Booker are capable of is a good first step.