Jalen Green joins the Houston Rockets with a tremendous amount of expectations as the second overall pick, and the 19-year-old believes he can help lead the organization back to prominence.
Green is highly touted for his scoring ability, and many believe he could develop into a superstar in the NBA. He joins a roster on the rise with John Wall, Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. along with the Rockets’ other draftees: Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher.
The 6-foot-6 guard wants to eventually develop into an All-Star and All-Defensive player. He also has his sights next season set on the Rookie of the Year award. Green believes he and the Rockets can achieve those goals based on hard work and expectations.
I work hard, stay in the gym and trust my work. Obviously, (an All-Star and All-Defensive player) is something I want to be. With those expectations for myself, I think it can lead to going to the playoffs and getting more wins. We all are trying to come in here and change the game and try to make an impact off the rip and try to win.
Green averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 assists in 15 games last season to lead the NBA G League Ignite in their inaugural season. He produced his best game of the season in the playoffs: 30 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in a loss to the Raptors 905.
Certainly, the Rockets will enter the 2021-22 season with a completely different team. Rockets general manager Rafael Stone appears to have laid down a strong foundation with a nice mix of veterans and young, talented players and that should make for a quick rebuild.
Green has drawn some comparisons to younger versions of Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady, and if he can tap into even some of that potential, the Rockets could be in store for plenty of future success.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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