Jalen Romande Green was born on February 9, 2002, in Merced, California, and was raised in Fresno. He has African-American and Filipino mixed heritage, making him one of the most prominent NBA players of Filipino descent. His mother, Bree Purganan, and stepfather, Marcus Green, played a significant role in his upbringing alongside his two sisters, Raquel and Jurnee. Jalen's diverse heritage has earned him a devoted global fan base, especially in the Philippines.

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High School Career and National Recognition

Green attended San Joaquin Memorial High School before transferring to Prolific Prep in Napa, California. At Prolific Prep, he was a highly ranked national recruit and a 2020 McDonald's All-American. He also led Team USA to a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he was MVP. His high school career sealed his future NBA stardom with unprecedented athleticism and scoring ability.

Historic G League Ignite Pick

Paving the way for elite prospects, Green became the first to sign with the NBA G League Ignite program in 2020, foregoing college. He signed a $500,000 contract, making headlines for paving this new trail. During his G League stint, he averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. A 30-point playoff game served as his highlight, showcasing his ability to compete with pros even before his NBA debut.

NBA Draft and Houston Rockets Years

Green was selected second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He averaged 17.3 points per game his rookie season and was selected to the All-Rookie First Team. He averaged 22.1 PPG in 2022–23 and was still going strong in 2024–25 with 21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3.4 APG on 35.4% shooting from three.

Remarkably, Green became the Rockets' "iron man," playing in all 82 games in consecutive seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25), for 166 games in a row.

Playoff Debut and Criticism

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Green made his NBA playoff debut in 2025 against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 2, he exploded for 38 points on eight threes. For the rest of the series, however, he faltered, averaging a mere 13.3 PPG. Although his performance was criticized, head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone both came to his defense publicly, reminding fans that "one playoff series doesn't define a player."

Blockbuster Trade to the Phoenix Suns

On June 22, 2025, the Phoenix Suns traded Green, along with Dillon Brooks and future picks, for NBA legend Kevin Durant. The blockbuster trade brought his three-season stay with the Rockets to a close. The deal provided the Suns with a younger core while assisting Houston in starting a new competitive chapter. Green is now set to join a list that features Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, where he will be a key contributor to the future of the Suns.

 Off-Court Presence and Cultural Impact

Jalen Green is as well-known for his on-court talent as for his sense of style, social media personality, and multicultural pride. He has endorsement deals with prominent brands like Nike and has appeared in fashion campaigns and digital content. His high-profile relationship with influencer Draya Michele and their daughter has also kept him in the news. Green deactivated social media during the 2025 playoffs to stay focused, showing his commitment to personal and professional growth.

A New Chapter in Phoenix

Now that Jalen Green is poised to begin his career with the Phoenix Suns, many believe he is primed for a breakout campaign. His elite athleticism, scoring ability, and durability make him one of the NBA's most promising young stars. With a fresh start and a good supporting cast, the 2025–26 campaign could be the beginning of a new era for Green and the Suns as well.