Jalen Green's tenure with the Phoenix Suns so far has been plagued by questions around his fit in the backcourt with Devin Booker, but offseason workouts with Steve Nash might have changed the outlook for the former second overall pick completely.
How Nash helps Green sees game crucial in ensuring success
Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports was at Suns media day Monday ahead of the new NBA season, noting that Green revealed Nash had been helping him with his pace of play. Learning this skill from a former two-time league MVP is exactly what he needs to help the Suns continue to be competitive.
When Green was healthy last season, he played exactly like the former second overall pick always has. As an elite, if at times streaky, scorer who uses his freak speed and athleticism to get to the basket. He is not a particularly bulky player, and defending at a high level is not a skill he appears interested in.
The issue, of course, is the fact that Booker is the top shooting guard in Phoenix, the franchise cornerstone who regularly gives them 30. Expecting him to become more of a point guard again, as he has several times in the past, was never going to work.
But Green taking on more ball-handling duties and learning from Nash how to control the tempo and pace of a game and get his teammates involved would be huge for this group. It would certainly quiet the chatter of those who say this backcourt can't work, while it would also stop nonsense suggestions, such as looking at D'Angelo Russell as an option.
It would also finally allow Booker to play the game the way he does best. As their top scorer and secondary creator, he would give Green more opportunities to set up the offense.
Green the playmaker would also increase trade value
There is a hidden element to Nash getting involved this summer, as Green proving he can help the Suns win would improve his trade value. He is currently the worst player they received in the Kevin Durant trade, an unthinkable outcome 12 months ago.
The Suns may have no interest in giving him an extension down the road, but rehabbing his trade value to let them make other moves to help Booker win sure sounds appealing.
Media day is a time of extreme optimism, so we're going to choose to believe that this will all work out now that Nash has gotten involved.
