Jalen Green Expected to Emerge as a Leader for the Houston Rockets

As the Houston Rockets look to finally start winning games, it will be up to Jalen Green--not veteran additions--to make the leap.

As the Houston Rockets prepare for the 2023-24 season, putting together a winning season is at the top of the priority list. The franchise has done an excellent job of amassing young talent, but putting the puzzle together and finding an identity has been a challenge thus far.

With the addition of Fred VanVleet, the expulsion of Kevin Porter Jr. and the hopeful emergence of Jalen Green as a superstar, the backcourt will be dominated by VanVleet and Green.

While VanVleet has eight years on Green, the All-Star point guard is entering Green’s team. Green is often overlooked, as he was drafted alongside Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, and Franz Wagner. But he leads the class of 2021 in points and is already one of the NBA’s best volume scorers, even if his efficiency leaves a lot to be desired.

That is to be expected from a player after only two seasons. VanVleet brings experience and a championship pedigree to Houston. 

But Green knows this team belongs to him. Zach Lowe of ESPN reported that Green has quietly been making an impact on Houston’s locker room culture, which generally has the reputation of being poor.

Rockets' Jalen Green drives passes Mavericks' Christian Wood / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

According to Lowe, Green took an unnamed veteran aside during his rookie season and demanded that the vet teach him (and other youngsters) how to be a pro and how to win. 

Entering this season, Green “is ready,” and “can contribute to winning.” Well, Houston is due to have a good basketball team once again.

This season, Ime Udoka and company are going to work on expanding Green’s strengths and help eliminate his weaknesses. One example is his willingness to shoot long twos.

Early in the shot clock, Udoka wants Green to act more as a facilitator, finding Dillion Brooks or Jae’Sean Tate on the wings instead of taking shots himself. As the shot clock winds down, or on the fast break, Green will continue to look to create for himself, using his elite speed and athleticism to get a bucket.

The Rockets brought in VanVleet and Brooks to elevate the roster they already have and contribute to growth rather than instant winning. The team already has a core and an identity, and it is not up to the new additions to change that. Instead, they are there to provide Green the mentorship he has been begging for since he was a 19-year-old rookie.