ATLANTA – Four minutes into the first half against Atlanta, Jalen Green attacked the rim for a routine layup, the kind of play that defines his value to the Phoenix Suns. No contact, just a subtle hitch in his stride with a glance toward the bench, and a quiet walk to the locker room. For a Phoenix fanbase already holding its breath waiting to see what the big three would be, that injury was loud.

Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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This was his second game back after missing months with a right hamstring injury, and after the footage, it seems it could be another reaggravation of the same one. Hamstrings are deceptive injuries, especially for explosive guards. Green’s game is built on sudden acceleration and violent changes of direction, movements that spike soft-tissue stress.

Suns guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates a three pointer against the Clippers during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 6, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns fans react to Jalen Green’s injury:

The emotional divide among Suns fans is understandable. One side wants time, dreaming of the Booker/Brooks/Green trio fully unlocked, a blend of shot-making, physicality, and rim pressure that few teams can match. The other side sees a warning sign of availability issues before consistency ever arrives, and a potential trade asset before perception drops further.

Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Strategically, Phoenix is at a crossroads. Green isn’t just a scorer; he’s a stress test for defenses. When he’s healthy, spacing improves, transition opportunities rise, and Booker faces fewer loaded coverages. His injury problems though are a concern for Phoenix, and the Suns will have to figure that out sooner rather than later.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen