With averages over his first two games of 24.0 points (51.7% FG, 50.0% on 3-pointers), 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 29.9 minutes, it’s easy to see why rookie Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green is drawing attention at the NBA’s 2021 Las Vegas Summer League.
But it’s the way he’s getting those numbers that might be most impressive. Despite facing a variety of defensive coverages in his first two summer league games, including double teams and having pick-and-rolls contested, Green has found ways to adapt and adjust.
At just 19 years old, the 6-foot-6 guard appears to be reading defenses well, and that has stood out to many across the league. Here’s what one NBA scout told The Action Network’s Matt Moore:
Looks great. That’s who he’s going to be in the league, and this is a good environment for him. It would have been concerning if he hadn’t looked good, given his skill set and experience, but he looked good. The side-step 3s are what get you paid in this league. Those shots are what separates guys.
His poise has been much better than expected.
At an average of 14.5 shot attempts per game, it isn’t as if the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft has put up lofty scoring totals due to high volume. Rather, Green’s shots have largely been efficient and within the flow of Houston’s offense. He’s also averaged only 2.5 turnovers, and he’s remained engaged defensively while staying out of foul trouble.
Green will look to continue building on that impressive start when his Rockets face No. 4 pick Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. Tipoff from Las Vegas is set for 7 p.m. Central, with a nationally televised broadcast available to watch on NBA TV.
I asked scouts what they saw from the top picks so far in Vegas, and wrote about some general buzz around. https://t.co/hCVNyT51IM
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) August 12, 2021
