In comparison to his first two NBA seasons, 2023-24 is a statistical step back for third-year Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green.
After posting a team-high 22.1 points per game last season on 41.7% shooting and 33.8% from 3-point range, those numbers have dipped to 17.1 points on 39.7% shooting (32.0% on 3-pointers) this year.
But unlike Green’s first two NBA seasons, when the Rockets went 20-62 and 22-60, respectively, Houston (20-22) has become competitive this season. With that jump comes higher expectations and a new reality, such as head coach Ime Udoka occasionally keeping Green out of his closing lineup — should the 21-year-old be having a bad day.
Unlike the two rebuilding years, Green doesn’t have an indefinite leash to shoot his way out of a slump while hoping to find his rhythm.
With those dynamics in mind, Houston isn’t yet at the point of panic when it comes to his future, and Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone appear willing to give Green more time to adjust and develop.
From The Action Network’s Matt Moore:
There’s no indication they’ll look to make a major move with the starters despite a lot of awkward, sideways glances in the direction of former No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green.
The team remains committed to helping Green find his role on a better team.
I wrote on what I've heard for all 30 teams as far as their agenda for the trade deadline, with potential targets. https://t.co/Md1eYwsE3F
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 20, 2024
Green is under contract through next season at a below-average salary, so there’s no reason for the Rockets to view this season as a clear inflection point for making a final judgment on Green.
While some of the recent struggles are frustrating, Houston can take its time in assessing Green’s long-term value and projecting his future development. After all, there’s no firm deadline requiring a judgment until Green’s potential restricted free agency in mid-2025.
