Is Houston Rockets' Jalen Green on a Similar Trajectory as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as an MVP-caliber player, but how far is Houston Rockets' Jalen Green from reaching the same level?

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets will try to end a three-game losing streak Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will get their first look at rookie Chet Holmgren inside the Toyota Center. But more importantly, the Rockets will have the daunting task of slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as an MVP-caliber player, who is averaging 29.9 points on .538/.365/.939 shooting splits. His production has led to the Thunder holding the second-best record in the Western Conference at 13-6.  

"He is a smart player who has the ball in his hands the whole time," Aaron Holiday said. "He can get downhill and can shoot. He has the whole packet that you want to see from your top player. I plan to get out there and try to make it a difficult night."

Gilgeous-Alexander is scratching the surface of becoming a potential top-10 player. However, his playstyle is similar to Jalen Green. 

Last season, former coach Stephen Silas noted that he believes Green has the potential to experience the same growth as SGA. Ten months after Silas' statement, coach Ime Udoka shares the same sentiment. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defends a drive by Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green during the second quarter at Paycom Center / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

"The progression is there," Udoka said. "The scoring abilities, you saw that from SGA early on in his career, even with the [Los Angeles] Clippers at times. Jalen has the same talent and potential. Once you have those tools, it is up to the player's work ethic, I.Q. and growth. We see Jalen growing into an elite scorer. But we want him to be more well-rounded."

Udoka has tasked Green with the challenge of becoming a more well-rounded player since taking over for Silas in April. Seventeen games into the 2023-24 season, Green has grown beyond his scoring. He feels his most significant evolution has come on the defensive end.

The Rockets and Thunder split their four-game regular-season series during the 2022-23 season. Gilgeous-Alexander scored an average of 31.7 points, shooting 49.6 percent from the field.

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