During Monday’s media day to kick off 2023-24 Rockets training camp, forward Jeff Green met with reporters for the first time since signing with Houston as a free agent in July.
Green, who was part of the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, offered candid commentary at Toyota Center regarding the role that accomplished veteran players can have — both for contenders like the Nuggets, and for a rebuilding team, such as the Rockets.
Buy Rockets Tickets“There’s been talk about how this notion of the NBA wanting to go younger, and really take out the vets,” Green said. “I think it’s great when you have guys who are experienced who have been through the ringer. To have them in the locker room is great. The experience itself, teaching the young guys what it takes to be a true professional. The everyday grind.
“At some point, a coach’s voice can only go so far, and that is when vets come into play,” Green continued. “DeAndre Jordan, Ish Smith, myself, our voices went a long way (in Denver). I do think its importance for vets to be in the locker room.”
Here’s a roundup of what we heard from Green at Monday’s media day from Toyota Center. Training camp officially begins Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“We have some young guys who are tired of losing,” Green said. “They’re tired of how things have been. They want to change the headlines about who they are. They want to win games. So I see the hunger of wanting to be better. They’re hungry to win, and win now.”
Jeff Green at 2023 Rockets Media Day
Jeff Green says he sees parallels between the current #Rockets and the late 2000s Thunder, where he began his NBA career:
“You can see the hunger in the young guys, and how they go about their business. They’re tired of that narrative.”
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on Sengun:
"He's asked me some questions about Jokic and how he prepares. He's intrigued. He sees the comparisons, but he's trying to better himself. He's not trying to be Nikola. He's a hard worker. He probably wants to be better. He has what it takes"#Rockets
— 28🐐 (@iamsohappy28) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green says the Rockets — specifically citing Jalen and Jabari — "want to change the headlines" about who the Houston Rockets are.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on Sengun:
"He's asked me some questions about Jokic and how he prepares. He's intrigued. He sees the comparisons, but he's trying to better himself. He's not trying to be Nikola. He's a hard worker. He probably wants to be better. He has what it takes"#Rockets
— 28🐐 (@iamsohappy28) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on what he brings to the #Rockets: "Experience. Teaching these young guys on what it takes to be a true professional. The winning aspect, what it takes. The every day grind."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green: "We have a great locker room, we have a great group of guys"
He also said he sees similarities from OKC's young core of Russ, Harden, and KD within the #Rockets young core.
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on the Rockets culture:
"I want guys to be themselves. I don't want to take away from a guys personality and how they are. I think there comes some structure in that.
I think we need to build chemistry from everything and I think it starts there. I don't think we…— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on value from a veteran who has been through 17 years: "There's been talk about how this notion of the NBA wanting to go younger, really take out the vets.
"I think it's great when you have guys who are experienced who have been through the ringer. to have them in…
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green on his 17th NBA year: "I've always worked as if I'd be in this position. After my injury in 2012 I always try to stay in the moment. For me I'm happy the ways things worked out.
I wouldn't change [my career] for the world. I'd be lying if I said year 5 I'd be here for…— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green has been TREMENDOUS on #Rockets Media Day. Incredibly insightful and wise.
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) October 2, 2023
Loved so much of what Jeff Green said. Mentioning how he sees similarities between the #Rockets and those OKC teams with himself, Russ, KD & Harden is something to be excited about. Noting the their work ethic was great, too. https://t.co/5muxYSlgR7
— Don Dougan (@don_dougan) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green (@unclejeffgreen) will wear No. 32 for the #Rockets. Number last worn by himself in 2020. #NBA pic.twitter.com/KNk3w50Ut3
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) October 2, 2023
Jeff Green says he thinks the #Rockets have what it takes to be a playoff team
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
