Suns’ Jalen Green reveals emotional roller coaster ride rehabbing hamstring injury

PHOENIX – When Jaylen Green is back from injurySaturday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers looked as confident as ever. The box score and minutes played may not show, but his feel certainly does.

His first four points came from the acrobatic finishes everyone is used to seeing. When Green previously returned from injury, he didn’t seem as confident when he got up to the rim.

Despite mentioning in the locker room after the game that he feels close to 100%, this is an encouraging step. But the more important little thing is how he reacted.

Aggravating the injury twice could sideline someone for the season, but not Green. Head coach Jordan Ott spoke about his determination to get back on the floor with his boys.

Although he is consistently popular with the team, there have obviously been doubts throughout the recovery process and even now. The thought crossed his mind that he might get hurt again.

But it is a part of the process when you are on the shelf.

“It’s all part of the game,” Green said when asked about the mental hurdle of recovering from an injury. “You’re going to have good moments and low moments. Some days I have my little moments. Some days I see a vision of where I can be and where I can go.”

I asked Jalen Green about his mental journey since rehabbing his hamstring all season.

“It’s all part of the game. You’re going to have highs and lows. Some days I have my little moments. Some days I see a vision of where I can be and where I can go. … pic.twitter.com/L18KSTcPGnO

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) February 8, 2026

Jalen Green’s enthusiasm lifts the Sun

Being on the court and playing is what most, if not all, NBA players want, especially Green. After all, he didn’t miss a game the last two seasons and then suffered his first major injury of the season.

Initially, he suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s training campand did not play on the preseason trip to Macau. Almost two months later, he made his season debut and set everyone on fire.

It encouraged the Phoenix faithful, his teammates and Green himself that he not only fits in, but is an integral part of the team.

An infectious energy carried over, and he brought a dynamism the team never says: unwavering athleticism. Complementing his game with Devin Booker provided the ultimate yin and yang effect.

The latter is methodical, patient and chooses his points. The Greens, on the other hand, will use your speed, athleticism and scoring to give his team the boost it needs when the offense falls flat.

But even with the energy he exudes on the court, it carries over to the bench when his teammates get in on the action. What he wrestled with, however, was not exactly seen.

The Suns know that Jalen Green’s injury recovery is long term

Two injury setbacks in the same season seem like a call to be overly cautious, even if the frustration seeps out. The daily, victorious, silent battles are reinforced by a shared vision between Green and the organization, as well as his teammates.

When asked if anyone specifically helped him, he gave credit to everyone and said there was no one person he should single out.

Then again, that doesn’t mean every day was good. Despite not naming anyone in particular, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Colin Gillespie are among his teammates who have gone on the record about his recovery.

Also, the The Suns are in a great position with the green. They are 31-22 and would be the 7th seed if the playoffs started as of this writing.

Much of their success has come without Green, but when he does, he’s been an instant game and dynamic shifter.

The hope will be that he stays healthy until the end of the season. But the adversity Green endured could be a rallying cry for a Phoenix team already tested by adversity.