In a new interview with Shams Charania, NBA insider for Stadium and The Athletic, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green outlined a few priorities entering his third professional season.
“I do feel like (the All-Star jump) is going to happen,” Green told Charania. “If you win, everything will take care of itself.”
Averaging 22.1 points per game, Green was the top scorer on the 2022-23 Rockets, and he also led all second-year players from the 2021 draft class. But Green’s efficiency was middling, and Houston’s 22-60 record was tied for the second-worst mark in the league.
As such, that’s a clear point of emphasis for Green and the Rockets under new head coach Ime Udoka. It also helps he will have new veteran teammates such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to potentially help carry the load while offering useful guidance.
Here’s a look at some of the key highlights and takeaways from Charania’s exclusive interview, which premiered Thursday morning.
Jalen Green, Shams Charania interview reaction
Rockets' Jalen Green sits down on @Stadium: "I do feel like (the All-Star jump) is going to happen. If you win everything will take care of itself."
On summer lessons from Kevin Durant, why Fred VanVleet is perfect PG for Houston, trade rumors as "wallpaper motivation" and more. pic.twitter.com/yqDSTMd4P0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2023
Jalen Green:
– on Ime Udoka: "Fire. That's my guy."
– on Amen Thompson: "He's a really good passer. Super explosive athlete. He wants to learn. You can just tell. He listens, asks questions. Yeah, he's going to be really good."
– on Dillon Brooks: "Man, he's a dog. Energy… https://t.co/KKWTjOfkfz
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 19, 2023
Jalen Green on his name being mentioned this summer as a trade candidate: "I feel like the Houston Rockets believe in me. I feel like they showed it a lot, multiple times… but yeah, I was thrown in there and I was just like, 'Screenshot. Wallpaper. Motivation.' You never know… https://t.co/KKWTjOfkfz
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 19, 2023
Jalen knew coming into the off-season he wanted to focus on:
– Strength
– Footwork attacking the rim
– staying square on his shot (increasing efficiency)
– WinningExcited to see where he takes his game into year 3. (And please, stop trying to Trade him)
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 19, 2023
Good interview. You can tell how much Jalen craved working out with vets this summer to learn. And work on his body. You can see how much the vet leadership added to the team means to him. He calls Udoka "his guy." Jalen knows "team wins" will sort everything out. #Rockets https://t.co/13DFAZyQf6
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) October 19, 2023
