Suns’ Big Three debut delayed with Green out for home opener

Head coach Jordan Ott said on Tuesday before the team’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers that guard Jalen Green will miss some time after reaggravating a hamstring strain injury during the team’s visit to China.

“We all know the soft tissue injuries are really hard to see exactly the progress,” Ott said, according to AZCentral’s Duane Rankin. “Obviously, it’s frustrating, but this is all part of it. Thankfully, we caught it early. It’s not that serious, but he wants to be out there. New teammates, new system. There’s just other ways. We’re going to have to speed him up. That’s the reality of it.”

Green’s arrival in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets was one of the biggest stories during the Suns’ offseason. The 23-year-old’s explosiveness and exciting play were a refreshing addition for the team’s rebuild. In the weeks leading up to the home opener, Valley fans were eager to see him, along with Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, play together.

In his time with the Rockets last season, Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

While Green is only expected to be out for 10 days, this creates an early test for Ott as a head coach, without a starter to begin the season. Green was expected to help push for faster play against teams and take pressure off Booker.

Without him in the home opener, Ott will need to go back to the drawing board to see who could fit in while Green recovers.

The Suns’ rebuild has been the talk of the NBA, and with trades and new leadership, the home opener will have eyes on Phoenix as they put the rebuild to the test in the first game of the season. Green’s injury now raises questions among fans and non-fans alike about how the team will perform without one of its Big Three.

Green’s injury showcases that rebuilds aren’t always linear, and that things do indeed take time to develop into fruition.

The Phoenix Suns will open their season at home against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m.