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Gerald Green on future with the Suns: 'I just don't know if they want me here'

Joe Camporeale / Reuters

Gerald Green knows where he wants to be, but he is unsure whether he belongs. 

After appearing in 129 consecutive games since joining the Phoenix Suns, he has seen his playing time diminished since he was benched on Jan. 30 against the Chicago Bulls. However, Green insists that he would rather stay with his team than leave, according to the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro.  

"I want to be here but I just don't know if they want me here," said Green. "Because if you want somebody, you show them. I didn't think I was playing that bad and now we're here."

Green was instrumental in the Suns' victory over Utah on Saturday, posting 24 points in 22 minutes, his best scoring game since November in his most minutes on the hardwood since Feb. 20. 

"In the beginning, I thought I was playing better than last year but I guess other people thought otherwise," said Green, who shot 40 percent from beyond the arc last season. "It hasn't been the same (since the Chicago game). I ain't gonna lie. It's been frustrating because I know I can help (the team) win."

Green got knocked out when the Suns moved to a three-point-guard lineup because his shooting was declining and he was having trouble on defense. 

"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," said head coach Jeff Hornacek.

Despite the benching on Jan. 30 affecting his psyche, Green still comes off the bench each game, ready to prove himself. 

"I feel like I could've helped a lot more than I did this season. Those decisions weren't up to me. If I play, I'll go out and give it my best," said Green. "I don't really get excited about games any more because I don't know if I'm going to play. These type of games don't excite me anymore. They don't give me confidence.

"I don't want to get too excited because I know the next game I might not play."

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