Houston Rockets' Jalen Green in Year 3: 'Ready to Make Jump'
LAKE CHARLES, LA — Jalen Green is familiar with the individual significance that comes with a player entering his third season. But the 22-year-old guard said he is set only on one goal following Day 3 of Houston Rockets training camp inside the Legacy Center at McNeese State University: Winning.
"I've talked to Fred [VanVleet], and he was like, 'we are going to turn it around and change the narrative of the Houston Rockets,'" Green said. "Everybody has the same goal here. To win."
Green is one of a handful of holdovers left as Houston enters Phase II of its rebuild. And in the words of coach Ime Udoka, Green is a guy who has "gone through the rough times" in Houston.
Last season, Green took a major step forward in establishing himself as the face of the franchise, averaging a career-best 22.7 points in 76 games. And as one of two primary ball-handlers, he finished with the team's highest usage rating at 27.4 percent.
But when reflecting on his career year, Green is indifferent about his individual success after the Rockets finished only 22-60. To meet his objective of winning, he's willing to sacrifice self for team.
"Winning is very important in the NBA and I haven't done any of that," Green said. "Whatever I have to do to win, I am willing to do it."
Rockets guard Jalen Green at media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Udoka has expressed his excitement ahead of his first season working alongside Green, who he has described as a gifted scorer. But when it comes to the betterment of the team, Udoka has emphasized the importance of Green becoming an all-around player.
Green agrees with Udoka's desires. The acknowledgment has led to him enhancing his on-court decision-making, playing off the ball and defensive productivity during training camp. Udoka said Green has been trying to do the right things, whether making the correct reads or getting off the ball timely.
But training camp has allowed Green the appropriate amount of time to break old habits that have plagued his respective game and the Rockets over the previous two seasons.
"It's about continuing to do the things you do well, but improving on your weaknesses," Udoka said. "But it is not just Jalen. It's the rest of the guys as well. He, Alperen [Sengun] and the rest of the young guys are learning the things we are trying to do while improving in certain areas. All of them, including Jalen, is getting better."
A major leap in Year 3 would not only confirm Green's status as the face of the franchise. By meeting Udoka's expectations of developing into an all-around player, the changes could also lead to his first significant payday next Summer.
By the end of his third season, he hopes to be judged by the amount of wins the Rockets have accumulated rather than the number next to his scoring average.
"I am ready to take the challenge," Green said. "I am ready to make that jump. I am ready to learn as much as I can from this coaching staff and this team. Just build. Be better than we were last year. A lot better. Just win in general."
