Finally time to go back for Jalen Green?

And now, 32 matches later, Jalen Green could finally return to the courts this Monday evening. Back side Suns was listed as doubtful for the Brooklyn meet, an encouraging sign after long weeks in the infirmary where his adductor injury lingered.

In his absence, Phoenix has more than held its own with a very respectable 25-17 record, tied for 7th place in the West, just two losses behind 5th place Houston. The return of the former Rockets player could thus offer an additional weapon to the Arizona franchise as the second half of the season approaches.

Arriving last summer as the centerpiece of the deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets, Jaylen Green has played just two small games since going on.

Return without radius?

Injured in the summer and then in the preseason, the 23-year-old returned prematurely before relapsing on Nov. 8 after just a few minutes of play. Announced to be out for four to six weeks, he ended up having to wait nearly two and a half months before the Suns no longer listed him as “out.”

“He’s licking his lips at the thought that he’s ready for this moment”Devin Booker assured on Saturday, after the victory on the floor of the Knicks. “I think we did too much to keep him on the sidelines. He’ll be there healthy, strong and ready to respond.”

In recent days, Jalen Green has resumed 5-on-5 sessions to limit the risk of relapse. And according to his teammates, the explosiveness is already returning.

“He looked good, even if we felt he still lacked a bit of explosiveness and speed.”, explained Nigel Hayes-Davies. “It says a lot about his potential, how strong he can be. I can’t wait to see him again, but he’s done everything right. I know he’s dying to get back, but he and his staff are making sure he’s in the best shape before he starts again, especially with such a delicate injury.”

Finding your place… and responding to criticism

Muscle injuries have multiplied in the NBA this season, and Phoenix has (this time) chosen to play the caution card. The good results, as well as the prospect of staying competitive with an eye on the playoffs, only strengthened the approach of the Suns, who already have solid offensive guarantees with Devin Booker and an excellent first half of Dillon Brooks.

“It gives us another player capable of attacking the circle”grayson allen projects. “To put pressure on the racket, to go to the basket. He’s also a player who can create his own shot, create advantages for others, take hard shots or draw two defenders. He’s a big shooter.”

If he should logically be limited in minutes initially, Jalen Green in particular will need to use this recovery to fully integrate into his new team’s game. A proven scorer (21 points average last season), this extended absence could also fuel a desire to silence criticism, which was numerous after the last playoffs. Then he proved too inconsistent and too timid during the series against the Warriors, a Game 7 loss, which he finished with 8 points on 3/8.

Now it’s up to him to prove that his 29 points in 23 minutes during his only full game this season, against the Clippers, wasn’t just a one-night stand.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.