One day after working out in Houston, top 2021 NBA draft prospect Jalen Green said in Tuesday’s media availability session that he sees the Rockets as a good fit for his game.
Green, who played for the G League Ignite last season as part of the NBA’s new professional pathway program, confirmed during Tuesday’s interview that he worked out in Houston on Monday. The Rockets currently own the No. 2 selection in the first round, and Green is seen as a leading candidate for that slot, according to industry mock drafts.
“The Rockets are an exciting team,” Green said. “They get out and run. They play hard. I think it would be a good fit if it happened.”
An explosive 6-foot-5 guard, Green averaged 17.9 points (46.1% FG, 36.5% on 3-pointers), 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 15 regular-season games at the G League “bubble,” which he believes offered superior preparation relative to college basketball.
While Green is viewed as the most likely pick for Houston, it’s not yet a done deal. Green also worked out in recent days for the Pistons, who have reportedly yet to make a final decision regarding the No. 1 pick. Should Detroit prefer Green, that would potentially leave Oklahoma State wing Cade Cunningham available to the Rockets, instead.
Here’s a roundup of Green’s noteworthy quotes from Tuesday. For his part, Cunningham already completed a pre-draft interview last Friday.
Jalen Green ready to speak to the media pic.twitter.com/CT8TCwhrSF
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
Green: "I learned a lot in the G League. A lot of knowledge and experience I'll take with me."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green says the two players he locked in watching the most growing up were MJ and Kobe.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
I asked Jalen Green about his potential fit in Houston:
"The Rockets are an exciting team. They get out and run. They play hard. I think it would be a good fit if it happened."#Rockets
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green on the Houston Rockets: "I think they're a young team. I think they have great players. They can get out fast, get out and run. They seem like a free team, being able to play off reads and in transition."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green says he wasn't as ball dominant in high school which allowed him time to work off-ball and from the corners.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green: "I agree with @Mike_Schmitz. I think we're the best draft class since 2003."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green says a goal for himself is to become the Rookie of the Year.
Also mentions All-Defensive team and wanting to become a two-way presence.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green: "The Rockets are an exciting team. They get out and run. They play hard. I think it would be a good fit if it happened."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green says reports that he won't workout for teams past the top-2 picks are true.
He's focused on Detroit and Houston.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green: "I just finished my Houston workout yesterday, it was a really good workout."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 27, 2021
Jalen Green's view of the Houston #Rockets: "I think they have superstar talent." pic.twitter.com/6SobF74dYH
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 27, 2021
