Jalen Green might be seen as an unusual figure for the Houston Rockets, particularly after being blamed for the team’s first-round playoff exit.
The 23-year-old was largely absent during a seven-game series against the Warriors, aside from a standout performance where he scored 38 points in Game 2.
Though the Rockets boast a number of talented young players, they also have a need for a seasoned scorer to address their ongoing offensive struggles both during the season and against Golden State.
“Jalen Green, I think it’s fair to say he might need to start packing his bags,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith remarked following the Warriors’ 103-89 win in Game 7. “If you’re part of the Houston Rockets, it’s time to consider moving him.”
Green accumulated just 55 points over the other six games in the series, scoring a mere eight points in Sunday’s matchup, despite the Rockets facing significant offensive challenges.
“You need to make me laugh. That won’t happen. Houston’s offense was lackluster, largely because he couldn’t contribute,” Smith commented. “As the Rockets, you’ll need to pursue Kevin Durant.”
The emergence of Amen Thompson has added pressure on Green, even after he signed a three-year, $106 million extension at the beginning of the season.
“The troubling aspect of this series revolves around Jalen Green,” Ringer’s Rayne Lashiro noted. “When he scored 38 points, it felt like a validation, like everything was okay. But that’s not the whole picture; it’s crucial to prioritize Amen, regardless of what happens with Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.”
“If Green ends up hindering Amen’s shot opportunities next season, it could stunt his growth and development, impacting his confidence and overall game.”
As Kevin Durant appears to be on the trading block this offseason, Phoenix seems poised to be a potential destination, given the Suns’ struggles with their star trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Green could rejuvenate the team and provide dynamic scoring alongside Booker.
Watching how Green’s situation unfolds is likely to be one of the more compelling narratives of the NBA offseason.
