The Houston Rockets’ staff has been impressed with Jalen Green’s conditioning and fitness level this offseason, according to NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic. Green was a member of the Team USA select team and played well in Las Vegas during Team USA training camp.
“This summer, he committed himself to growth,” Iko wrote. “Team sources said the staff was particularly pleased with the young guard’s conditioning and fitness level, especially in early August when players are still in the midst of vacationing. He’s trained in California with other NBA players, sessions which head coach Ime Udoka has frequented. Green arrived at Team USA camp stronger, fitter and most importantly, smarter. Word from Vegas was he picked up the system quickly, was extremely coachable and was an eager learner.”
Green averaged 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Rockets last season in 76 games. He shot 41.6% from the field, 33.8% from beyond the arc and 78.6% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Green & Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets drafted Green with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old has career averages of 19.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 42.0% overall, 34.0% from 3 and 79.0% from the free-throw line.
The Rockets entered free agency with the most cap space. They signed Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green, Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday. Houston won only 22 games last season. The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020. New head coach Ime Udoka wants to establish a winning culture in Houston and adding VanVleet will help that cause since the guard is a proven winner who can score and facilitate at a high level.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Green & Houston Rockets Updates
It will be interesting to see how Green and VanVleet co-exist in the Rockets’ backcourt next season. An anonymous member of the Rockets told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that the team views VanVleet as a great “organizer.”
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