What Does Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka Want to See From Jalen Green in 2024?
The Houston Rockets are off to a decent start to the season with an 18-18 record. The team's leading scorer from last season, Jalen Green, is having a solid season, but head coach Ime Udoka thinks he could be playing better.
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks mid-game with guard Jalen Green
D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The young shooting guard had a really solid season last year, and as a result, teams are paying him more attention of the defensive end. Udoka talked more about what he wants to see from Green in a recent interview with Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson.
"With him, it's about being confident at all times and understanding how teams are taking him out," Udoka said. "He was obviously the leading scorer last year and has done some great things in his young career, but the buildup and being a well-rounded player is the main thing.
"Doing it all over the court, not just relying on scoring... his competitiveness has gone up, his attention to detail, his effort, and obviously his scoring his always going to be there. Always stay confident, be aggressive, and take what the game gives you."
So far this season, Green is averaging 17.3 points per game, which is his exact average from his rookie season. This is down considerably from his 22.1 points that he averaged last season, as the defense might be getting to him right now.
Despite that Udoka and anyone who watches a Rockets' game knows that Green has the talent, it's just a matter of him making the adjustments. In Wednesday's overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls, Green finished the game with 18 points on 8 of 19 shooting, eight assists and six rebounds.
