The Phoenix Suns are navigating a challenging stretch, but their resilience has been on full display this season. A key component of that grit has been Dillon Brooks, who has found a new level of offensive consistency alongside his trademark defense. However, a recent injury has thrown a wrench into the Suns’ plans, placing even greater responsibility on the shoulders of others, particularly Jalen Green.
Brooks’ injury – a broken hand sustained early in Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic – is a significant blow. He’s expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, leaving a void in the Suns’ lineup. Brooks was averaging 20.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, establishing himself as a vital piece of the team’s success.
The Suns, already without Devin Booker due to a hip strain, now face the task of replacing Brooks’ production. Jalen Green, acquired alongside Brooks in the Kevin Durant trade, is the natural candidate to step up. However, Green’s journey with the Suns has been hampered by a persistent hamstring issue, limiting his playing time and hindering his ability to fully integrate into the team.
Green has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. He had 26 points and four 3-pointers against the San Antonio Spurs coming out of the All-Star break, and his game-winning three-pointer against the Orlando Magic in overtime on Saturday demonstrated his potential to deliver in clutch moments. That shot, described as “magic” by one observer, came at the end of a grueling, low-scoring affair where both teams struggled offensively.
Despite those moments, Green’s overall efficiency has been a concern. He’s a dynamic athlete with the ability to create his own shot, but he’s never consistently translated that potential into efficient scoring. Currently earning $33.5 million this season, with that number rising to $36.2 million next year and a $36 million player option the year after, the Suns are banking on Green developing into a reliable contributor. Over 55% of his field goals have been unassisted, a testament to his self-creation ability, but that hasn’t always translated to high-percentage shots.
His recent performance underscores the challenge. Green shot 1-of-7 from three-point range in Sunday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing with a limited impact. Through 10 games this season, he’s averaging 13.3 points while shooting 38% from the field – numbers that fall short of what the Suns need to compensate for Brooks’ absence. The box score from Saturday’s win over Orlando was also a stark reminder of the team’s struggles: 29% shooting from three on 55 attempts, 40 field goals on 117 shots, and only 20 assists.
The Suns’ win against Orlando was a testament to their resilience, a survival effort fueled by Green’s late-game heroics. However, it also highlighted the team’s offensive struggles and the need for consistent scoring. With Brooks sidelined, and Jordan Goodwin also suffering a calf injury during that game, the Suns’ rotation is shrinking, and the pressure is mounting on Green to deliver.
While the dream of Green becoming a superstar may be fading, the opportunity remains for him to establish himself as a winning player. His previous stint with the Houston Rockets showed glimpses of potential, but he was, a net negative for the team. Now, with a significant opportunity to contribute, Green is playing for his future, whether it’s in Phoenix or elsewhere.
The next six weeks will be crucial for Green. It’s a chance to prove his value and silence the critics. The Suns, currently two games back of the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and two games ahead of the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors, are in a tight playoff race. Every win matters, and they need every bucket they can get. Green, despite his inconsistencies, has the potential to provide that scoring punch. He’s a player who can get buckets, and right now, that’s exactly what the Suns need.
