NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Houston Rockets can call themselves a team on the verge, but that won’t hold true until Jalen Green understands his importance. During the season, Green asserted himself as an up-and-coming star. However, against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, he proved just how far he has to go.
Maybe it was the defense of the Warriors, but if Green wants to be that guy for the Rockets moving forward, all he has to do is look no further than Anthony Edwards.
Edwards wants the attention. He wants the ball in the clutch moments, and most of all, he wants to win. Not saying that Green doesn’t want all those things, but he’s just not ready. And what he has to come to terms with is that following his disappointing series, the Rockets may decide for him.
With whispers the Rockets could be on the hunt for a star player like Kevin Durant or even Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s Green’s name that’s being mentioned in trade packages. This was supposed to be his team, not the case anymore.
This was his time to shine. Green against Curry. All Green did was average 13.3 points while shooting .372 from the floor and hitting just 13 three-point field goals out of 44. He shrunk. The Houston Rockets are a young team, and this could just be growing pains the young shooting guard displayed. But it’s clear, as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, this was a bit of a letdown. But change could be on the way.
Green has to prove to the Houston Rockets organization that he’s capable of becoming a leader. That he’s capable of taking all the pressure that comes with competing for an NBA Championship. But he also has to let the top brass know that he dropped the ball and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
If he can’t persuade the Rockets of those things, he could very well be shipped out. Amen Thompson came in with all the hoopla, but he redefined his game. Alperen Sengun was the 2nd option, but he rose to be the No.1. The potential is there, but is the desire?
We witnessed it from Game 3 on. Green was a bit hesitant. His struggles were causing him mental anguish. He doesn’t come across as a player who gets rattled easily, and that’s why we can be led to believe, this may have been a one-time thing. But can the Houston Rockets afford to give him more time to grow while they have an open window?
