The Phoenix Suns have managed to remain competitive so far this season despite missing two of their starting five for some key matchups. The Suns have at least seen Dillon Brooks, although Ryan Dunn has excelled in the absence of the former Houston Rocket. Brooks should be back from his groin issue soon, and when that happens head coach Jordan Ott will have a selection headache.
Then there is Jalen Green, the only member of the team who is yet to suit up for the franchise. The 23-year-old was apparently close to getting on the court during preseason - even making it on the trip to Macau - before seemingly aggrevating his hamstring issue in China while ramping up preparations to play.
Suns didn't account for Green being a regular injury concern.
Part of the reason Phoenix agreed to trade Kevin Durant to the Rockets this offseason was because they felt Green had both the offensive potential and durability to play big minutes alongside Devin Booker. Prior to coming across in the deal, Green hadn't missed a single game in Houston across the last two regular seasons, as well as the playoffs.
Well, @StephenPG3 pulled a @DuaneRankin and asked about Jalen Green’s injury status.
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) November 3, 2025
It got a good laugh out of Jordan Ott.
“He's just had a great response. It's been a productive last couple days for him. Today was a lower-ish day (on the court). So it's kind of timed up to… pic.twitter.com/er1eQyeRRP
Yet he has been listed as "day-to-day" on the injury report for two weeks now, and his continued absence is puzzling. It is understandable that the Suns would want to bring Green along slowly, only they're not giving their younger players a chance to impress while he is sitting. On top of that, it is not in their best interests to tank this season either.
If anything the sudden improvement defensively means they are going to be competitive in most games, with Green looking like the ideal option alongside Booker to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Yet he continues to be listed as close to making a comeback - it has even been confirmed he has competed in 5-v-5 drills - without ever actually making it out on the court.
As the Suns attempt to climb the Western Conference once more, it would be helpful to have one of their best players on the court each night. There is a silver lining here, and in Green's absence role players like Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale have stepped up. Then there is backup point guard Collin Gillespie, who is breaking out right now.
He wouldn't have gotten as much run if Green was available, and he has proven he can handle more responsibility if given the opportunity. The longer Green sits the more concern the organization are going to have, and we won't know how good they can be until they are fully healthy. Not the kind of problem the Suns envisioned when they traded for him.