The Houston Rockets have won six straight games. Four of these contests have come without potential Most Improved Player candidate Alperen Sengun on the floor. Tied for their longest win streak this season, this six-game stretch now has them just 2.5 games back from a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
Yet, without their best player available, how are the Rockets managing to emerge victorious time and time again? The answer to the surprise of many has been third-year guard Jalen Green.
Green is meeting plenty of adversity this season.
To start, Sengun has bypassed him as the face of the rebuild. There’s been nothing underhanded about this change. The skilled Turkish center has taken the reins by being their most reliable and dynamic offensive player. However, it’s leading to Rockets fans putting Green in a negative light.
As an appendage, it’s worth noting that Green saw his on-ball opportunities impacted by Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
VanVleet, the starting point guard, routinely looked off Green as he ran plays or pick-and-rolls. The Fresno native routinely went long stretches without even touching the ball. Brooks is looking to be more respected as a scorer and gets that from Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. In situations where Green should be expected to shoot, Brooks does.
In addition to and because of these factors, the Rockets aren’t the run-and-gun team that young players thrive in. Houston is reliant on halfcourt sets.
Ultimately, this all contributed to Green being discontent with his role. Now, Green is perceived to be expendable. Indeed, the Rockets are rumored to have Green on the trade block already.
Family Is Everything
In the 10 games since his reported frustration, Green has scored 30 or more points in four contests. In these 10 games, he’s averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s also shooting 48.0 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from 3, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.
When asked about the reason for his improved play after scoring 42 points (tied for his career-high) against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, Green offered a reason that only became public six games ago.
“My family,” Green says. “My baby.”
.@SportsVanessa asked Jalen Green his motivation since All-Star break:
“My family. My baby.” pic.twitter.com/4Q7yRNOzK6
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 20, 2024
Green is reportedly the father of a baby girl with former reality television star Draya Michele. Michele announced her pregnancy on Instagram on Mar. 8. 28 weeks pregnant at the time, she expects the child to be born in May.
Jalen Green since his baby was announced
28 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG,
51% FG, 44% 3PT,
6-0 RECORDpic.twitter.com/MsKdOg6ad4
— Overtime (@overtime) March 20, 2024
Since the announcement, Green is averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. Just as importantly, he’s shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 44.2 percent from 3. Now hitting his stride, Green is walking into fatherhood the same way that he’s entered March.
Like a new man.
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