Houston Rockets’ rookie Jalen Green scored 31 points in his team’s 139-132 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday; marking his fourth straight game with 30 or more points.
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Green, 20, was selected second overall by the Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft.
After starting out the season slow, Green has really come into his own as a three-level scorer; averaging 21.5 points since the all-star break, via CBS Sports.
Green is averaging 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 42%/34%/80% shooting splits on the season.
For reference, Anthony Edwards, the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 42%/33%/78% shooting splits in his rookie season.
Rockets’ head-coach Stephen Silas must be happy with the offensive development of Green and fellow rookies Alperen Sengun and Josh Christopher.
However, the Rockets are in desperate need of defense (they currently rank last in defensive rating at 116.2, via NBA.com).
The Rockets will likely select the best player available when they’re on the clock in next year’s draft – but defense will certainly be on the front office’s mind.