The Houston Rockets hoped to build their team around Jalen Green.
Then, both Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun proved to be better players or building blocks.
Green has drawn plenty of criticism throughout the course of his brief career, as he hasn’t been efficient as a scorer, shared the ball, or played defense.
However, it now seems like the former No. 2 pick might finally be getting a hold of the game.
As shown by HoopsHype (via Legion Hoops), Green has been the absolute best player in the league over the past week, even ahead of the likes of guys like Anthony Davis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Luka Doncic.
Jalen Green has been the best player in the NBA over the past week, per @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/ERFLB4vo4h
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 24, 2024
The Rockets will be without Sengun for the remainder of the season, and Green has made the most of the expanded opportunity.
Perhaps having Smith Jr. stretching out the floor as their small-ball five has opened up more lanes for Green to drive or get wide-open shots, and he’s shooting the ball at a very efficient clip.
Jalen Green is still very young, and some players need more time to get used to the speed of the game and blossom.
The Rockets will hope he continues this hot stretch and prove to be a late-bloomer, as he’s always shown the potential to be one of the most explosive and dominant scorers in the game.
Ime Udoka’s team won’t make the playoffs this season, but they’re not that far behind, either.
If Smith, Sengun, and Green keep taking steps forward and the front office adds some serviceable veterans around them, it won’t be long before they’re back to the postseason.
NEXT: Houston Rockets Star Has Been On An Impressive Run