Strengths and Weaknesses of Houston Rockets Guard Jalen Green

As Green enters year four, he has shown consistent strengths and weaknesses throughout his early NBA career.

Apr 11, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles past Utah Jazz forward Luka Samanic (19) during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green has been one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA since he was drafted in 2021.

Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Green has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be a cornerstone for the Rockets’ future. However, like many young players, he also has areas that need improvement. Green has plenty of strengths but has also shown flaws in his game:

Strength: Slashing

Green’s athleticism is the biggest reason why he is so effective at getting to the rim and finishing on bigger defenders. Standing at 6’4" with a lean frame, he possesses incredible speed and leaping ability, which allows him to attack the rim with authority. His ability to finish around defenders and absorb contact makes him a constant threat in transition and half-court sets.

Weakness: Inconsistency

One of Green’s biggest challenges has been his inconsistency. While he has had stretches of brilliance, he has also had periods where his performance dips significantly. This inconsistency makes it difficult to rely on him as a primary scoring option every night.

Strength: Confidence

Green has demonstrated the ability to perform in clutch situations. His confidence on the court allows him to take and make big shots, often against quality opposition. This trait is invaluable for a team looking to build around a young star.

Green has shown significant scoring prowess, averaging 19.8 points per game over his career. His scoring ability was particularly evident during a stretch in March 2024, where he averaged 28.5 points per game on 50.8% shooting. He can generate his own shots, a crucial trait for a star player, and is effective both driving to the basket and shooting from mid-range. He just needs to produce efficient numbers consistently, rather than a few months out of the season.

Weakness: Efficiency

Despite his scoring ability, Green’s efficiency has been a concern. Over his career, he has shot 42.1% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. Improving his shot selection and decision-making could help boost these percentages and make him a more reliable offensive threat.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Nets on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Nets news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.