How Jalen Green and Devin Booker can co-exist in a Suns backcourt

The Phoenix Suns' roster rebuild focuses on adding size, length, and toughness, with next season's success hinging on how scoring-oriented guards Devin Booker and Jalen Green coexist in the backcourt. Booker, 28, is a franchise cornerstone eligible for a $150 million extension and holds the Suns' career scoring record, though he needs to rebound after posting some of his worst shooting percentages last season.

Green, 23, arrived via a trade sending Kevin Durant to Houston. A former top high school prospect, the 6-foot-4 guard bypassed college to play for the G League Ignite before being drafted second overall in 2021. He averaged 20.1 points and 3.4 assists over four seasons with the Rockets.

To assess the pairing potential, The Athletic interviewed four coaches who worked with Green professionally and a Rockets TV analyst/10-year NBA veteran. Their insights trace Green's development path. Rasheed Hazzard, an Ignite assistant who lived near Green, highlighted his elite athleticism (dunking impressively in practice) and fierce competitiveness, recalling Green dunking on a veteran in an early one-on-one session and never losing a team sprint. However, Hazzard noted Green's jump shot needed refinement and suggested college drills could have accelerated his development.

Will Weaver, a Rockets assistant who coached Green in the 2021 Summer League, observed a rivalry with top pick Cade Cunningham. Weaver emphasized Green's maturity, citing a sophisticated pocket pass against a trap in their second game—a play he deemed unselfish and veteran-like, especially given the context.

John Lucas, another Rockets assistant, initially viewed Green as merely a talented AAU player but found him a quick learner dedicated to extra work, including 6 a.m. gym sessions. Lucas focused on improving Green's jumper and defense, stating defense is typically the last skill prioritized by NBA players focused on scoring.

Stephen Silas, Houston's head coach during Green's first two NBA seasons, oversaw Green's development through difficult rebuilding years (20 and 22 wins), with Green starting immediately and growing under pressure.