Rockets Season Preview: Will Jalen Green's Play Lead to More Wins in Year 3?
HOUSTON — Jalen Green is entering the most significant season of his short career. The 2023-24 campaign will mark Green's third season in the league, and in the eyes of many, year three will officially set the precedent for his career.
Since the Houston Rockets selected Green with the No. 2 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, the former G League Ignite prospect has shown the potential to become a top-tier player who could be in the running for league MVP. But on the flip side, Green has also demonstrated the potential to be a high-level scorer who doesn't impact winning.
Green displayed his desire to win on several occasions during his sophomore season. But growing under coach Ime Udoka could help Green reach a level of excellence in year three.
"The one thing we have stressed to him is being an all-around player," Udoka said per ESPN in July. "He is a natural scorer. But he has to do it on each side of the ball. He is a guy who can get anywhere on the court. And now, it's about building winning habits."
Developing a winning mentality and expanding his game beyond scoring are Udoka's top objectives for Green. However, Green spoke about improving in the same areas well before Udoka replaced Stephen Silas as coach in April.
Green showcased his on-court growth during his time with Team USA this summer. He had a short stay with the select team and left great impressions on several members.
Green's most significant appreciation came from Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, who raved about his ability to play off the ball.
The USA Select beat USA’s FIBA World Cup team in two consecutive 10-minute scrimmages in Las Vegas. Green, who put on a show alongside Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, "was effective during the scrimmages."
"Him playing off the ball was good — coming off pin downs, coming off screens, keeping the defense honest on the backside movement," Mosley said via Kelly Iko of The Athletic. "I think he did a really good job of not chasing it, being able to find opportunities to create for his teammates. And whenever the ball did find his hands, he was a live go."
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports, Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Before joining the USA Select team, several videos posted on social media in late July featured Green working out alongside Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant and Washington Wizards' Kyle Kuzma.
Green participated in Pro Run games where he displayed improvements made to his on-court arsenal. The exhibition contest also featured Juan Toscano-Anderson, Obi Toppin, and former teammates K.J. Martin and Christian Wood.
One social media clip showcased Green connecting on a step-back fadeaway jumper over the top of Toscano-Anderson, which left the former member of the Golden State Warriors stumbling on the defensive end.
An immense leap in year three for Green would not only reassure his status as the face of the franchise. But meeting Udoka's expectations could lead to Green's first significant payday next summer.
Green led the 22-60 Rockets in scoring last season, averaging a career-best 22.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting from the field, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds across 76 games during the 2022-23 season.
He found different ways to impact the game beyond his scoring last season when he displayed his court vision as a playmaker.
During a nine-game stretch in November, Green averaged 6.1 assists — marking the first time he registered half a dozen assists. He recorded a career-high nine assists during the Rockets' 118-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 26.
"It's all about working and getting better," Green said in April. "I'm coming in next season chasing All-Star and winning."
