If you’ve watched a single minute of NBA basketball lately, you know the flash. The vertical that seems to defy gravity. The scoring bursts that make defenders look like they’re stuck in mud. But if you’re trying to buy a jersey or just win a bar argument about what number is Jalen Green, the answer is actually a bit more complicated than just a single digit on a mesh tank top.
Right now, in 2026, Jalen Green wears number 4.
He’s wearing it for the Phoenix Suns after that massive trade that shook up the league. But for a long time, fans knew him as the face of the Houston Rockets, and if you go back to his rookie year, you might remember seeing a big "0" on his back. It’s a whole saga. Seriously. It’s not just a number; for Green, it’s a brand, a family tradition, and a bit of a personal obsession.
The Story Behind What Number Is Jalen Green (and Why It Changed)
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much drama can surround a simple jersey choice. When Jalen Green first stepped into the NBA as the second overall pick in 2021, he desperately wanted number 4. He’d worn it his whole life. It was his identity. But when he got to Houston, he ran into a bit of a roadblock: Danuel House Jr.
House was already wearing number 4 for the Rockets.
📖 Related: Barry Sanders Shoes Nike: What Most People Get Wrong
In the NBA, veterans usually get first dibs. Usually, a rookie might pay a vet for the number—buy them a Rolex or a fancy dinner—but House wasn't budging. He had his own connection to the number (being from Houston's Fourth Ward). So, Jalen had to settle. He picked number 0.
He told reporters at the time that "Zero G" sounded cool, sort of a play on his last name and his elite bounce. It worked for a while. But deep down, he was just waiting for 4 to open up. Once House was waived in late 2021, the path was clear. Green officially switched to number 4 for the 2022-23 season and hasn't looked back since.
Why number 4 is so special to him
- The High School Days: He wore it at San Joaquin Memorial and Prolific Prep while becoming the top recruit in the country.
- G League Ignite: When he skipped college to join the Ignite, he kept the 4.
- Family Values: He’s mentioned in interviews (like with CNN Philippines) that his family loves seeing him in that specific number.
- The "Lucky" Factor: Jalen literally thinks it keeps him healthy and helps him get buckets. Can't argue with results.
Jalen Green's Journey to the Phoenix Suns
Fast forward to the 2025-26 season. Things change fast in this league. After a few years of being the "guy" in Houston and even making his playoff debut there in 2025, Jalen was the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant elsewhere.
Now that he’s in Phoenix, the first thing everyone asked was: what number is Jalen Green going to wear for the Suns?
👉 See also: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
Luckily, there was no Danuel House situation this time. The Suns made sure he got his signature 4. Seeing him in that purple and orange jersey with the single digit on the back feels like a new era for a guy who’s still only 23 years old. He’s averaging over 20 points a game and looks like he’s finally finding that consistency that scouts raved about back in 2021.
Don't Get Fooled by the "Rookie" Jerseys
If you’re a collector, you’ve probably noticed two types of Jalen Green jerseys floating around on eBay or Fanatics.
There’s the number 0 Rockets jersey, which is basically a time capsule. It represents that 2021-22 season where he made the All-Rookie First Team. Some fans actually prefer these because they're "rare"—they only existed for one year.
Then you have the number 4 jerseys, which cover the rest of his time in Houston and his current stint in Phoenix. If you want to stay current, 4 is your number. If you want a piece of history, look for the 0.
✨ Don't miss: Anthony Davis USC Running Back: Why the Notre Dame Killer Still Matters
What to Watch for Next
The kid is a scoring machine. Whether he’s wearing 0 or 4, the talent is undeniable. But there’s something about that number 4 that seems to give him a bit of extra swagger. Maybe it’s psychological, or maybe he just looks better in a single digit. Either way, as he leads the Suns through the 2026 season, expect to see that #4 jersey all over the highlights.
If you're looking to grab some gear, double-check the team. Most people are still searching for his Rockets gear, but the Phoenix Icon and Association jerseys are the ones he’s actually rocking on the court today.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Verify the Year: If buying a "vintage" Jalen Green jersey, 0 is 2021 only; 4 is 2022 to the present.
- Check the Team: Make sure you aren't buying a Houston #4 if you're trying to support his current run with the Suns.
- Follow the Stats: Notice if his shooting percentages actually stay higher in the #4—he's always claimed it's his "lucky" number for a reason.