Jalen Green’s Ascent: From Early Season Struggles to Western Conference Player of the Week
Jalen Green’s recent performances have been a beacon of hope for the Houston Rockets, culminating in his second career Western Conference Player of the Week award. This recognition underscores a remarkable turnaround for the young guard, who struggled with efficiency in the early part of the season, averaging just 18.2 points per game on a dismal 38.1% shooting from the field. The award, covering games from January 13th to 19th, highlights Green’s explosive scoring prowess, averaging 32.5 points per game on an impressive 60.6% shooting overall, including a scorching 63.6% from beyond the arc. This dramatic improvement not only showcases Green’s individual growth but also signifies his potential to become the cornerstone of the Rockets’ future. His week included games of 42, 34, 28, and 26 points, a testament to his consistent offensive firepower. This hot streak has placed him in elite company, joining Damian Lillard as the only players in NBA history to achieve the rare statistical feat of at least 25 points, more than four three-pointers, 50% field goal percentage, and 50% three-point percentage in five consecutive games. This accomplishment solidifies Green’s emergence as a dynamic offensive threat and validates the Rockets’ investment in his development.
Green’s recent surge extends beyond just one week. His scoring consistency has been a key driver of the Rockets’ success in 2024. He has scored 20 or more points in nine straight games this month, the longest streak of his young career, raising his season average to 21.6 points per game. Over his last 22 games, Green has averaged an even more impressive 24.5 points per game on 48.2% shooting, demonstrating a sustained improvement in his efficiency. The Rockets’ undefeated 8-0 record when Green scores 30 or more points in the current season further emphasizes the direct correlation between his offensive output and the team’s winning ways. This trend underscores the importance of Green’s scoring prowess to the Rockets’ overall success and suggests that his development into a consistent high-scorer could be a crucial factor in their playoff aspirations.
The timing of Green’s resurgence is particularly significant, considering the financial implications of his recently signed contract. Last summer, Green agreed to a three-year, $105.33 million contract extension, a deal that reflected both the Rockets’ belief in his potential and a measure of caution regarding his consistency. The contract, which includes a player option for the third year worth $36 million, provided Green with financial security while also allowing the Rockets to evaluate his progress before committing to a potentially larger, maximum-value contract. His current salary for next season is set at $33.33 million, a figure significantly lower than the estimated $38.661 million he could have commanded with a maximum contract based on 25% of the league’s salary cap. This structured deal offered a balance between rewarding Green for his potential and mitigating the Rockets’ risk in case his development did not progress as anticipated.
The contract structure is especially noteworthy when considering the contracts signed by other players in Green’s 2021 draft class. Players like Cade Cunningham, the top overall pick, signed five-year, $224.238 million contracts before the start of the current season. This disparity in contract value highlights the Rockets’ cautious approach with Green, opting for a shorter-term deal with a lower overall value. While this approach might have seemed like a gamble at the time, Green’s recent performance surge suggests that he may be on track to outperform the expectations set by his current contract, potentially positioning him for a significantly larger deal in the future. This development could prove beneficial for both Green and the Rockets, allowing him to earn a salary commensurate with his burgeoning star status while affording the team flexibility in managing its salary cap.
The Rockets’ persistent pursuit of established stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, and De’Aaron Fox has been a recurring theme throughout the season. Acquiring any of these players would require a substantial investment of the Rockets’ considerable trade assets. However, Green’s transformation into a reliable scoring threat offers the Rockets an alternative path to contention. His improved performance alleviates the immediate pressure to trade for a star, giving General Manager Rafael Stone the luxury of patience in managing his valuable assets. This patience allows the Rockets to avoid potentially overpaying for a star player and instead focus on building a cohesive team around Green’s emerging talent.
Green’s emergence as a potential franchise cornerstone comes at a pivotal time for the Rockets. Currently holding the second seed in the Western Conference with a 28-14 record, the team is in a prime position to make a deep playoff run. While the temptation to make a splash trade for an established star might be strong, Green’s recent performances suggest that the team already possesses the offensive firepower needed to compete at a high level. His ability to consistently create scoring opportunities and carry the offensive load reduces the urgency to acquire another star player, allowing the Rockets to focus on building team chemistry and developing their existing young talent. Green’s continued growth and development will undoubtedly be crucial to the Rockets’ sustained success in the current season and beyond.
