It’s easy to overlook Jalen Green right now - not because he lacks talent, but because we simply haven’t seen him much in a Phoenix Suns uniform. The 23-year-old guard, who arrived from Houston in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade, has played less than two full games for the Suns due to a lingering hamstring injury. But make no mistake: Green’s upside is still very real, and very much All-Star caliber.
While he won’t be suiting up before Christmas, all signs suggest Green is on track in his rehab. And once he’s fully healthy, Phoenix fans might finally get a glimpse of what this young guard can bring - explosive scoring, elite athleticism, and a swagger that could inject fresh energy into the Suns’ backcourt.
Left Off ESPN’s 25 Under 25 - But Not Forgotten
Recently, ESPN dropped its annual “25 Under 25” list - a snapshot of the league’s top young talent based on long-term potential. Not surprisingly, names like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson made the cut. But one name was conspicuously absent: Jalen Green.
No one’s arguing he should be cracking the top 10 right now, especially given his injury and limited action this season. But for a player who didn’t miss a single game - regular season or playoffs - in his first two years, the omission feels more like a case of “out of sight, out of mind” than a true reflection of his talent.
Let’s not forget: Green had a breakout moment in last year’s playoffs against the Warriors. While the series as a whole was a mixed bag for him, his scoring flashes were undeniable. That kind of offensive burst - the ability to get you 20 points on any given night - doesn’t just disappear.
Reed Sheppard Makes the List - Should Green Have?
The 25th spot on ESPN’s list went to Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard. And while Sheppard has turned things around lately in the absence of Fred VanVleet, it’s fair to ask: If you’re starting a team tomorrow, who are you taking - Sheppard or Green?
Green brings proven NBA scoring ability and elite athleticism, while Sheppard, though promising, is still finding his footing. It’s worth noting that Phoenix likely wasn’t targeting Sheppard in the Durant trade anyway - their focus was on acquiring Green and defensive-minded wing Dillon Brooks. And in the limited action we’ve seen, Green looked right at home alongside Devin Booker, quelling early doubts about their fit as co-primary scorers.
Plus, with players like Brooks and big man Mark Williams around to help cover for Green’s defensive shortcomings, there’s a clear path for him to thrive in this system. He doesn’t have to be a lockdown defender - he just has to do what he does best: put the ball in the basket.
The Suns’ Bet on Green Still Has Time to Pay Off
For Phoenix, the long-term concern is clear. Houston walked away from the Durant trade with three players who made ESPN’s list: Sheppard (25), Amen Thompson (6), and Alperen Sengun (5).
That’s a young core with serious upside. The Suns, on the other hand, didn’t land any of those three - and that stings a bit more when the team is still finding its post-Durant identity.
But this isn’t a closed chapter yet. If Green can get healthy and deliver on his potential, that narrative starts to shift. And if rookie center Khaman Maluach can develop into a legitimate interior presence, the Suns may not feel the sting of missing out on Houston’s youth movement for long.
The bottom line? Jalen Green has the tools to be a difference-maker in Phoenix. He’s young, he’s hungry, and once he’s back on the floor, he’ll have every opportunity to remind the league - and ESPN - why he belongs in any conversation about the NBA’s brightest young stars.