Prized NBA rookie Jalen Green has worn a No. 4 jersey for years, to the point where “JG4” became part of his personal branding. But as long as veteran forward Danuel House Jr. is with the Houston Rockets, it doesn’t seem that the No. 2 overall draft pick will have access to that number.
In an interview with Ari Alexander of KPRC (Houston’s NBC affiliate), House explained Friday why he plans to keep the number.
The number four will stay with 4 D House, of course. I’m from Houston, Texas. My grandma, and my people are rooted from the Freedmen’s Town area, which is called Greater Fourth Ward. The number has been with me since I was a kid. My grandma also died in that month [April].
The number really resides within my brain. It’s in my core, and it empowers me to be me.
Historically, the Fourth Ward emerged as Houston’s most prominent African-American neighborhood once thousands of freed slaves flooded into the city after emancipation.
Talked to Danuel House today, who tells me DEFINITIVELY that he will not be giving up No. 4
House says it's important to him because his family has deep roots in Freedman's Town and the Fourth Ward of Houston.
"…(the number 4) empowers me to be me…" pic.twitter.com/IBUfaqkCET
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) September 3, 2021
Now 28 years old, House is entering his fourth season with the Rockets, and veterans are typically given deference in these types of scenarios.
As a result, barring an unexpected transaction, it appears that Green will continue wearing the No. 0 jersey that he did in summer league.
