The Phoenix Suns targeted Jalen Green in the Kevin Durant trade and are putting the ball in his hands as a primary creator. The 23-year-old saw his touches, time of possession, and shot attempts plummet in the 2025 playoffs. It was clear Houston was ready to go in another direction. Green is excited to be in the Valley with a massive on-ball opportunity, but he has questions to answer.
The 6’4 can’t wait to share the backcourt with Devin Booker. Both are capable scorers and playmakers, but must work out the details. This can’t be a your-turn, my-turn offense. They need to get everyone involved and create a flow.
The Suns are giving Green a ton of confidence ahead of his first year in Phoenix. They are putting the ball in his hands and gifting him the chance to reach his All-Star potential with a massive role.
Suns are gifting Jalen Green the point guard role
Green got 65.9 touches and took a career-high 17.9 field goal attempts per game in 2023. Following that season, the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet in free agency and made him their primary creator. Green’s touches and shots dropped over the next two seasons and further took a step back in the 2025 playoffs. It was clear Houston wanted FVV, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson to take over as their top creators.
Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 32.9 minutes per game last season, but he has his warts. There are questions about his playmaking, defense, shot selection, and ability to be one of the best players on a serious title contender. The 23-year-old has immense talent. It is all about maximizing it.
There are questions about his fit next to Devin Booker, too. Neither is a true point guard, and the partnership has some fans questioning if the Suns' leadership made a grave mistake.
Green is ready to prove those doubters wrong. The Suns are trusting him in a massive on-ball role, and the 6’4 guard believes he will play the best basketball of his career. There have been flashes of his All-Star potential in Houston. Phoenix giving him confidence and opportunity should put Green in the best position to unleash it.
The Rockets shifted their offensive focus to other talented players as last season wore on. Jalen Green was not their answer. It is why they traded him to get Kevin Durant as their go-to scorer. The 23-year-old certainly felt that shift and is ready to prove his former team wrong.
The Suns will go as far as Booker and Green lift them offensively. It will be fascinating to see how first-year head coach Jordan Ott maximizes the two-man game between his guards. Green will certainly get all the touches, shots, and workload he can handle.
The Phoenix Suns are gifting Jalen Green a gigantic on-ball role that was slowly disappearing in Houston. He will be featured and must prove his former team wrong for taking the ball out of his hands. Green has all the talent. It is about maximizing his potential on the floor and bringing out the best in him. The Suns are doing their part, so stay tuned to see if he can reach new heights in the Valley.