The Rockets are “heavily leaning” to selecting G League Ignite guard Jalen Green with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, according to Zach Harper of The Athletic. However, he reports that Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs has his share of supporters in Houston, as well.
Here’s what Harper wrote on Friday in his latest mock draft, which has the Rockets ultimately selecting Green at No. 2 in the first round:
League sources have said Houston is heavily leaning toward Jalen Green there, but there are people within the Rockets’ decision-making process pushing for Jalen Suggs out of Gonzaga. Green’s potential as a star wing in this league has the Rockets’ focus, but the idea of Suggs grabbing the momentum at some point exists. Scouts and executives love his size at the point guard position, and believe he can be the leader of a young, rebuilding team.
Houston is heavily leaning toward Jalen Green at No. 2, sources tell @talkhoops.
However, there are people within the Rockets’ decision-making process pushing for Jalen Suggs.
More: https://t.co/IYcdrpPGPK pic.twitter.com/WBhvvJ1lgj
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 16, 2021
Houston’s interest in Green has been reported by numerous draft insiders, but this is one of the first reports to suggest that the debate could be between Green and Suggs. To this point, much of the perceived debate has been focused on Green and USC big man Evan Mobley.
With less than two weeks remaining until the July 29 draft, expect a new wave of mock drafts to be released in the coming days. Those reports could offer evidence as to whether there’s actual momentum between the Rockets and Suggs, or if Harper’s report will remain an outlier.
