One of the most disappointing aspects of the 2022-23 season for the young Houston Rockets is the lack of shooting progress from second-year guard Jalen Green.
Now 21 years old, Green has increased his overall scoring in 2022-23 relative to 2021-22, but his overall shooting and 3-point accuracy have dipped (42.6% to 40.9%, and 34.3% to 33.3%).
Some of that can be attributed to Green’s increased usage, relative to his rookie season. He’s certainly functioning much more as an on-ball creator this season, as opposed to getting cleaner looks by working off the ball, as he often did a season ago.
But some of it, of course, is Green missing shots he believes he should make. To that end, when the 6-foot-6 guard returns to the lineup Tuesday after missing nearly two weeks with a left groin strain, he could have somewhat of a different look.
Per Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle:
On the road trip, Green tweaked his jump shot with help from Rockets assistant coach John Lucas. The new version uses less legs, which Lucas said is designed to manage Green’s groin strain and to streamline his motion on catch-and-shoots.
Danielle with good insight on how John Lucas helped tweak Jalen Green's jump shot. https://t.co/QNnApdPoWQ
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) February 28, 2023
It can be difficult for players to change their shot mechanics during a season, because with constant games and limited practice time, it’s easy to revert to old habits during a game.
But between the NBA’s All-Star break and nearly two weeks on the sidelines, the Rockets and Green are hoping he’s had enough repetitions for the new version to fully click.
We’ll find out starting Tuesday, when Green and the Rockets (13-47) will look to snap a nine-game losing streak when they host Denver (43-19) at Toyota Center. The tip is 7 p.m. Central.
Jalen Green after shootaround. Scheduled to return from the groin injury tonight. pic.twitter.com/wKaWmT1HrM
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 28, 2023
