The Rockets face a crucial offseason in 2023 and already have been rumored for a potential reunion with franchise great James Harden. The Sixers guard could wind up returning to Houston in free agency this offseason, where he’d team up with young stars Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
Harden reportedly will turn down his $35.6 million option with Philadelphia for 2023-24 in order to become a free agent.
Green recently appeared on Paul George’s podcast, during which he was asked about the potential impact Harden would have on the young Rockets core. George indicated that there could be both positive and negative impacts of adding Harden to the midst of the Rockets’ rebuilding project, and Houston’s emerging star saw no flaws in the Clippers star’s logic.
“I feel like at this point, you’re the king of Houston,” George told Green. “You bring on someone like James, who’s such a ball-dominant player, that’s going to hinder your growth your growth a little bit. Regardless of how it can elevate you on another level. … I feel like for you, you’ve already been through the fire.”
Jalen Green says James Harden signing with Houston ‘can help and hurt at the same time’
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“I agree. I think it can play both ways, like you said. It can help and hurt at the same time,” Green responded, indicating that he hasn’t spoken “too much” with Harden amid rumors surrounding the 33-year-old’s future.
In 2022-23, Green’s second NBA season, the 21-year-old averaged 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range.
He recorded a 27.4% USG rating last season, indicating he frequently had the ball in his hands. While adding Harden to the mix could benefit Green by giving him better looks at the basket, he’d also likely be playing off the ball far more often, which could impact his development adversely.
