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Jalen Green was once viewed as the Houston Rockets’ crown jewel. The explosive guard was believed to be a franchise cornerstone. Pairing him with fellow young prospect Alperen Sengun ensured Houston had a bright future. However, with the decision to hire Ime Udoka came an increased focus on being competitive right away. Green is still a work in progress. Sengun’s developments have seen him leapfrog Green to become the team’s franchise cornerstone.
While he was once seen as untouchable, Green is reportedly available in potential trades. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Green has been attracting some interested suitors.
The Rockets have first-round picks galore and so many good young players that — if enough of them hit — there will be no viable way to pay all of them,” Lowe reported. “They want to chase a playoff spot now. This is why Jalen Green’s name has generated some trade buzz, per league sources.”
The biggest knock on Green is that he’s essentially the same player the team drafted in 2021. He has shown limited growth on either side of the ball. Yet, at 21 years old, with clear star potential, moving him so early in his career is a significant risk. Yes, the Rockets want to be competitive, but they could be trading a future star for a short-term rental who won’t immediately make them into a contending roster.
Udoka knew the team he was inheriting. He knew there would be a period when the young players were developing and learning his system. Trading a former top-two pick in just his third NBA season is the sort of move franchises can come to regret. Udoka would be better served focusing on developing the players at his disposal. It won’t be a blemish on his career if he needs a year or two to mold his team into a potential contender.
Furthermore, trades don’t come with guarantees of success. Mid-season trades rarely move the needle during the same year.
Green is talented. He has an exciting style of play. Houston was right to view him as a building block for the future. And, while Green has yet to live up to his full potential, he hasn’t failed at the NBA level. This season, he’s averaging 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 41.4% shooting from the field and 32.5% shooting from 3-point range. Those aren’t the sort of numbers you would associate with a “bust.”
The talent is there. Green just needs time for his game to mature and his skills to improve. The Rockets must take a firm stance with Udoka. Being competitive is a good thing. However, risking your franchise’s future to appease a coach in his first season with the team, well, that’s another thing entirely.
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