Rockets' Jalen Green Excited For Off-Season Development: 'Chasing All-Star And Winning'
HOUSTON — The 2022-23 campaign for the Houston Rockets will leave Jalen Green disappointed. And with six days left in the season, Green is looking forward to the off-season.
But his excitement does not stem from a hiatus away from basketball. Green's eagerness arises from the plans he and his training staff have outlined to re-tool his game ahead of his junior campaign.
"I am excited," Green said. "It is all about working and getting better. I'm coming in next season chasing All-Star and winning."
Green is ready to leave the dismay of his second season in the past.
During training camp in September, Green stated that the goal for himself and the team was to be better than the 20-62 record they accumulated last year. Ahead of their final home game of the season against the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night, the Rockets are 19-60.
But despite the disappointment, Green's sophomore campaign has led to important lessons that make him believe his career is on the right trajectory.
He acknowledged his efficient scoring in recent weeks had been one of the most significant lessons of the season.
Green has averaged 23.0 points in the 19 games he has played post-All-Star break. Out of his 19 appearances, Green has had 11 games where he has shot over 40.0 percent from the field, which includes a 40-point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on 11-for-22 shooting.
"I've been pretty efficient throughout this whole stretch," Green said. "I haven't been jacking up shots or forcing tough shots — I just take what the defense gives me...I am just coming out here to handle business and to finish the year strong."
Green has a desire to maintain his efficient scoring, but his next priority is to have a more extensive impact on the court with his playmaking and defense.
The year-two lessons for Green have expanded on the blueprint he obtained from coach Stephen Silas at the start of his rookie year.
Silas created a blueprint by compiling over 20 years of notes after working alongside future All-Stars Stephen Curry, Baron Davis, Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Kemba Walker.
Each player's career has gone on its respective trajectory. But the hardships and disappointments from their first two seasons helped shape prosperous careers, similar to Green's desires when looking towards the future.
"I feel like we have learned a lot," Green said. "We will be able to go into next year knowing how to handle the season and to just be better."
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