Where is Rockets SG Jalen Green's Future Headed?
The Houston Rockets selected shooting guard Jalen Green with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, hoping he'd be the young piece to turn them around.
Green had a very solid first year, averaging 17.3 points per game and earning All-Rookie honors. But he began to emerge as a star in the NBA last season as he averaged 22.1 points.
The Rockets have made a lot of moves this offseason as they hired a new coach, drafted two high-profile players, signed two big-name free agents and were runner-ups in the Summer League.
Next season will look a lot different, but there are questions about how the players from last year's team will mesh with the new talent.
ESPN's Zach Lowe and Tim MacMahon discussed Green's future in Houston on Tuesday.
"I'm super high on Jalen Green," Lowe said. The reason why I want to write about Jalen Green is if this works, I think it's gonna be because Jalen Green becomes a star and a top ball handler.
Lowe explained that Green's on a similar pace that two All-Stars were on when they were his age.
"If you look around the league now, a number of people have sent me these comps: age-wise and trajectory-wise, he lines up a little ahead of Bradley Beal and Zach Lavine at that age," Lowe said. "Are those guys No. 1 options on a championship level team—no. They're really good players, but we don't know if that's going to be the ceiling for Jalen Green."
Lowe said the 21-year-old's skill set is extremely unique, regardless of age.
"I just think the guy can do stuff on the floor that's very hard to find on offense. I think he's shown enough instincts as a passer, cutter and defender. By showing the right instincts and will, I think there's something there with Jalen Green. He's their best shot at the straw that stirs the drink kind of player."
MacMahon is also "sky-high" on Green but thinks he could improve in one overlooked statistic.
"He's proven he can score, but not in a consistent or efficient manner. Last year, he averaged 22 points per game, but he did that while shooting 48.5 percent in effective field goal percentage (slightly below average). However, playing without a point guard like last season definitely lowers effective field goal percentage."
Now that Green has a point guard in offseason free agent signee Fred VanVleet, his ceiling should continue to rise as he enters year three.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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