The Phoenix Suns are still waiting on Jalen Green‘s full recovery from a strained right hamstring suffered at training camp. Green hasn’t made his debut for the Suns since getting acquired from the Houston Rockets this past summer. He was part of the historic seven-team Kevin Durant deal.
Speaking to reporters after the Suns’ 130-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs, coach Jordan Ott was asked about an update on Green’s potential return. The former No. 2 pick has been participating in practice and was part of shootaround before the game.
“It’s feel, how is he feeling. Him at 60, 70, 80% speed is still pretty fast. It’s just going to take time. Knowing that it may not be full speed right from the jump. That’s just something he’s going to have to get acquainted to and accustomed to as he progresses when he comes back,” Ott said, via AZ Central’s Duane Rankin.
Ott added that Green has had a couple of good days over the weekend, taking part in 5-on-5s. However, the Suns are still being cautious with his recovery, with his body’s response to the speed of practice as key to clearing him for a return.
Green Suffered Injury at Training Camp
The Phoenix Suns had high hopes after trading Kevin Durant in the offseason, acquiring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming, and five second-round picks. However, Green suffered a low-grade hamstring strain at training camp, as reported by ESPN.
Green still went with the team to China for two preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets. He was hoping to play in the preseason but aggravated the injury on October 15 while in Macau. He was unable to appear in any preseason contests and was ruled out to start the season.
There were reports that Green could make his debut on October 27 against the Utah Jazz, but it didn’t happen. He would miss the next three games, and there’s still no clear timetable for his return.
Nevertheless, it was still a positive sign that Green was smiling and laughing during shootaround with his teammates. Coach Jordan Ott told reporters after their win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday that the 23-year-old guard is scheduled for assessment in the next two days.
“Tonight is a big assessment to see how he comes out of this morning and then tomorrow obviously will be a low day. Both days. We got to look at him tonight and tomorrow and see what’s next. It’s a tough week ahead playing every other day, but he’s getting there and that’s a good sign,” Ott said, via Rankin.
The Suns are back in action on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Green’s Draya Michele Tattoo Makes Headlines
While Jalen Green’s return has been a hot topic for Phoenix Suns fans, his new tattoo has gone viral on social media. Green recently shared that he got his girlfriend Draya Michele’s face tattooed on his back.
The couple has been together since 2023, welcoming their daughter, Lyght, on May 12, 2024. Their relationship has always been a hot topic on social media because of their age difference, with Draya being 17 years older than Green.
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