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Gerald Green unhappy with Suns’ criticism of his game

By Josh Criswell

Jan 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) against the Toronto Raptors at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Raptors 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) against the Toronto Raptors at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Raptors 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek has been particularly harsh on Gerald Green recently, something his agent believes is unwarranted and unfair.

Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek and forward Gerald Green’s agent Kevin Bradbury have immersed themselves in a war of words this week regarding the coaches public criticism of the high-flying guard.

Hornacek voiced his frustrations with Green’s play to The Arizona Republic two days ago.

"“He never really seemed to get it going and then it comes to the point where, if you’re not scoring and if your defense isn’t picking up, it’s hard to stay in the game,” Hornacek said.“We’re trying to develop something for the future, not just being out here for everybody to play in the game. We want to get to a top-notch winning level and you’ve got to do it on both sides.”"

Green and his agent were not thrilled by the criticism, as one can imagine, and the two have not been shy to voice their opinion either.

"“It’s completely unfair to misrepresent Gerald and his game like this,” Bradbury of  told Sporting News. “You’re talking about a player that wants to win at any cost and is a tremendous locker guy and teammate. I don’t see the benefit for the coach to go about things this way.”"

Green and his agent have a very good point. It is completely irresponsible by Hornacek to single out one player as the team’s playoff hopes slipped out of their grasp. What makes the criticism especially head-scratching is when you consider that before Green was benched for a Jan. 30th game against the Chicago Bulls, the Suns had a season-best record of 28-20. Since that night, the team has fallen to 39-40 and completely out of the Western Conference playoff race, with Green appearing in only 22 games during this stretch.

Despite finding his way into Hornacek’s doghouse in Phoenix, Green, who is a free agent this offseason, has expressed a desire to be a part of the Suns’ long-term plans. Unfortunately, he does not believe the feeling is mutual.

"“I want to be here but I just don’t know if they want me here,” Green told the Arizona Republic. “If you want somebody, you show them. I didn’t think I was playing that bad and now we’re here.”"

Green’s desire to stay in Phoenix despite adversity should not be surprising to those familiar with his story. After shuffling around between teams oversees, it looked as if he had finally found a home with the Suns, finishing fourth in the NBA‘s Most Improved Player voting last season.

Sadly, it appears that his time in Phoenix is coming to a close.

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