Rockets' Jalen Green Guest Appearance On Podcast P with Paul George Takeaways

During his guest appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, Houston Rockets' guard Jalen Green opened up about the hiring of Ime Udoka and his desire to learn from Kyrie Irving.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets' guard Jalen Green appeared as a guest on the 12th installment of Paul George's podcast, Podcast P with Paul George Monday afternoon.

Green discussed several topics alongside the eight-time All-Star and co-hosts Jackie Long and Dallas Rutherford. Here are four takeaways from Green's appearance. Podcast P with Paul George is presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment. 

Jalen Green is building a relationship with coach Ime Udoka:

Green has consistently showcased his support for coach Stephen Silas. In March, he spoke about the urgency to play hard for his former coach to close out the 2022-23 campaign. And following his jettison in early April, Green credited Silas for his teachings and how he taught the team to stay together during rough times.

"When he is talking to us, he's telling us how much we mean to him and how much we need to stay together," Jalen Green said. "We got to be there for him. We got to get dubs for him. And we got to play hard for him."

The Rockets departed from Silas in favor of coach Ime Udoka on April 25. Green's podcast appearance marked the first time he publicly spoke on Udoka's hiring.

"Right after he got the job he came straight to L.A.," Green said. "I called him and let him know I am willing to do whatever it takes to win this year. We go to dinner, and we were not talking hoops it was just getting to know each other. 

"It seems like I’m going to be able to relate to him well…I think it’s going to be good…He’s going to bring structure, which is what we need." 

Jalen Green endorses Amen Thompson:

Since the Rockets received the No. 4 pick during the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, Overtime Elite prospect Amen Thompson has been the consensus favorite to land in Houston.

Green appeared on the fence about the possibility of playing alongside James Harden. But Green endorsed Thompson when expressing his thoughts about which prospect the Rockets should land during the 2023 NBA Draft.

"I don't know who we are going to get, but I wouldn't mind the Thompson twin," Green said. "He's solid, I wouldn't mind that at all. We are going to see what happens." 

During the 2022-23 campaign, Thompson averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds for the City Reapers. His twin brother Ausar Thompson described Amen as a great shot-maker and facilitator that any ball club would be "blessed" to add to their team this summer.

Jalen Green is fond of Kyrie Irving's playstyle:

Ahead of his junior season, Green is still in the early stages of polishing his game. He shared with George his desire to become more productive in the post on both ends. But when it comes to the possibility of learning from an All-Star veteran, Green credited Kyrie Irving.

"I want to learn from Kyrie," Green said. "He has tapped in with me and I have his number. We have texted each other and talked after games. But that is someone I would love to learn from."

Green would be delighted to learn Irving's footwork and how he goes through his reads.

Green said he became impressed with Irving during his rookie season in a game where the eight-time All-Star had 42 points in a win over the Rockets in April 2022.

The Brooklyn Nets took a 13-point victory against Houston. Irving put on a show inside the Barclays Center. He shot 13-for-24 from the field, 8-for-16 from behind the arc. He also added six assists, two steals and a block. 

"Kyrie [surprised me] when we played him," Green said. "He was stopping on a dime pulling up on threes, he's throwing the ball over [player's] heads. I'm like, 'bro, what is going on?' 

"When you're on the court playing against him, you are still trying to compete, but you are in awe, seeing what he’s doing."

Jalen Green did not take Victor Wembanyama's reaction personal:

French phenom Victor Wembanyama gave a slight celebration upon learning of the Rockets' fate during the draft lottery. 

Wembanyama gave a fist pump when NBA's Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed that the Rockets had fallen to the fourth overall pick. His reaction caused a ruckus on social media. But Green did not take offense to Wembanyama's reaction, similar to Jabari Smith Jr., who took note of the disrespect. 

"I saw it, but I did not think nothing of it," Green said. "Wherever he gets drafted, whether it was with us or [the Spurs], he still got to come in and work no matter what. I didn’t think we were going to get the fourth pick though."

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