I’ve faced a lot of opposition for my defense of Jalen Green. If I’m honest, most of it is worth it. It’s not lost on me that the first three seasons of his career were disappointing. However, just as when my children disappoint me, I never stop loving them and I never stop believing in them.
My first TDS piece was a comparison between those first three seasons and those of Kobe Bryant, comparing how disappointed both fan bases were initially in both players’ careers.
When I told former Rockets GM and current host of ESPN 97.5’s Killer Bs, Joel Blank, that I had chosen that as my first article, he literally choked on his own spit.
As we sit here four games into the 2024-2025 season, I’m not saying I was right, but so far, Jalen hasn’t proven me wrong and that should be an encouraging sign for Rockets fans. Has Jalen Green figured things out?
Scoring 28.8 ppg, on 43.2% shooting, 41.3% from the three-point line, and a true shooting percentage of 58.3, Jalen was by no means a model of efficiency, but for him, these numbers are very encouraging. Especially since it is released in October.
The best thing about Jalen’s performance so far this season is that he’s played well in the moments that really matter. Even in missile losses. He shot 48.1 percent from the field in the fourth quarter and averaged a point per minute playing with nine points per game in the fourth quarter.
If he can continue like this, which is really the question here, then Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets should find success in the win-loss column, and he should find his name among the potential All-Stars this season.
What I liked most was Jalen Green’s effort on defense. That has not yet been reflected in his defensive rating, but he is making great strides in that area, and I expect his defensive rating to drop from the current 112.4 he currently has.
Jalen Green is a +19 on the floor for the Rockets and his play against the Spurs in back-to-back games was crucial in both the close comeback attempt in Game 1, and in blocking the Spurs’ comeback attempt on Monday.
This early optimism may be premature, but we’ll quickly find out in the Rockets’ next game against the Dallas Mavericks on Halloween on Thursday. Did Jalen Green fool us or will he treat us to an All-Star season? That’s yet to be determined, but after four games, he’s off to a good start. Thank you Galen for keeping me somewhat credible for at least another week.
