HOUSTON — Though budding star Jalen Green wore No. 4 throughout his pre-NBA playing days, even earning the “JG4” nickname, that number was not available when the rookie guard joined the Rockets last offseason. At the time, it belonged to veteran forward Danuel House Jr., who cited personal family reasons in wanting to keep the number.
Even prized rookies like Green, who was drafted at No. 2 overall in the 2021 first round, typically show deference to veterans in such situations.
House was released by the Rockets in December, but that’s not among the limited circumstances in which the NBA would allow a player to change numbers during the season. So, Green finished out his rookie season wearing the No. 0 jersey, including a stretch of 30+ points in six of his last seven games — and a career-high 41 in Sunday’s finale.
Shortly after the final buzzer, Green was asked by Rockets Wire whether he planned to change to the No. 4 jersey for next season, now that it is available. After pausing briefly to look at the team’s media relations director — to ensure that he was allowed to speak about it, on the record — Green smiled and confirmed what many suspected for months.
Yeah, I’m for sure (doing it). Yeah. I need my number back, for sure.
After a slow start, Green finished his rookie season averaging 20.7 points (47.4% FG, 39.3% on 3-pointers), 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and only 1.7 turnovers over his final 32 games. He will look to build on that growth when the Rockets report to training camp for the 2022-23 season in late September, with another top-five draft pick set to join the group.
