It was 14 years ago when current Houston Rockets swingman Gerald Green first entered the NBA. But after all that time, he’s still working diligently — even outdoors, in the summer heat — to improve his craft.
As evidenced by his latest video on Instagram, several prominent NBA veterans are taking notice. Superstar Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers praised Green’s “handle,” while other NBA players to reply included Philadelphia’s Josh Richardson, Washington’s Isaiah Thomas, and former Rockets big man Kenneth Faried.
The complete replies from Green’s basketball peers and others can be viewed in the comments section on Instagram.
Green tagged trainer Kenny Ellis in the post. According to his biography, Ellis’ skills include tightening up handles; improving footwork; and fixing jump shots. Ellis points to last season’s breakout success of Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. as his “blueprint.”
Earlier in his career, the 6-foot-7 Green was mostly known for his dunks and athleticism. But over the years, as his burst has faded slightly, he’s become more well-rounded as an offensive player — especially as a three-point shooter — to remain viable to the NBA.
In his last two seasons with the Rockets, Green has averaged 10.3 points in 21.1 minutes per game on 36.0% shooting from behind the three-point arc. A native Houstonian, the 33-year-old re-signed with the Rockets for this upcoming 2019-20 season within the opening minutes of free agency earlier this summer.
Though Green’s athleticism has likely declined at least a little bit since his initial 2005-06 NBA season, it still remains quite impressive. That element was clearly visible during his recent training workouts with James Harden and other members of the 2019-20 Rockets.
Green, Harden, and numerous other Rockets already appear to be in great shape ahead of the opening of NBA training camps later this month. Houston begins preseason play for the 2019-20 season on Monday, Sept. 30 with a home game versus the Shanghai Sharks.
