During Monday’s media day to kick off 2023-24 Rockets training camp, forward Jeff Green met with reporters for the first time since signing with Houston as a free agent in July.
Green, who was part of the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, offered candid commentary at Toyota Center regarding the role that accomplished veteran players can have — both for contenders like the Nuggets, and for a rebuilding team, such as the Rockets.
“There’s been talk about how this notion of the NBA wanting to go younger, and really take out the vets,” Green said. “I think it’s great when you have guys who are experienced who have been through the ringer. To have them in the locker room is great. The experience itself, teaching the young guys what it takes to be a true professional. The everyday grind.
“At some point, a coach’s voice can only go so far, and that is when vets come into play,” Green continued. “DeAndre Jordan, Ish Smith, myself, our voices went a long way (in Denver). I do think its importance for vets to be in the locker room.”
Here’s a roundup of what we heard from Green at Monday’s media day from Toyota Center. Training camp officially begins Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“We have some young guys who are tired of losing,” Green said. “They’re tired of how things have been. They want to change the headlines about who they are. They want to win games. So I see the hunger of wanting to be better. They’re hungry to win, and win now.”