Jalen Green from G League Ignite
Picked by Houston Rockets (NBA Championship betting odds = 501.00)
Age: 19
Measurements: 6’ 5” (1.96m) – 180 lbs (81.6kg)
Position: Guard
It’s no great surprise that G League Ignite’s brightest star Jalen Green was second pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Let’s break down why he’s so highly rated.
AVERAGES AND STATS
Green averaged 17.9 points (FG 46.1% 3P 36.5%), 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. A truly excellent scoring percentage from in-field, and pretty solid all-around.
He smashed it in the final playoff game of his first pro-season by snatching 30 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Truly impressive stuff.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
His exceptional athleticism and rapid first-step make him extremely watchable, and very dangerous for defenders. This is especially true when he attacks the basket directly from the dribble.
For a less statuesque player, he has a remarkable ability to jump. He can achieve incredible heights with very little run-up or warning. He creates space and shooting chances seemingly at will.
Green’s defensive intensity could certainly use some extra work.
His lack of size certainly gives pause for thought in that area, but offensively this player is pure dynamite.
Green is a ‘three-level’ scorer all day long and terrorises defences with his speed and unpredictability. Equally dangerous on and off the ball, he will cause many opponents headaches when he reaches the NBA.
In fact, he has ‘primary scorer’ written all over him. The Houston Rockets must have been elated to pick him. In our opinion, they will not regret it.
ARE THE ROCKETS READY TO TAKE OFF?
Here again, we have another team that needs all the help they can get. Betting odds currently have them at 501.00 With the lowest number of wins of any team (a dismal 23%) in the whole NBA they are in desperate trouble if big changes are not made. Green is a superb acquisition but will need assistance and support if he is to be the catalyst for any kind of success at Houston this season.
