After three years of losing and rebuilding through the draft process, the Houston Rockets finally look to compete for a playoff berth. The franchise have one of the best young cores in the entire NBA. They have young talented players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The front office also added experienced players like Fred Vanvleet and Dillon Brooks to the mix.

An ESPN journalist thinks that Jalen Green’s game could take a leap in his third season. Green could hold the key to the Rockets’ hopes of making the NBA playoffs.

Green Tipped for Stardom

After three seasons of tanking, the Rockets are set to challenge for a playoff spot. Jalen Green would play a pivotal role if the Rockets are to get anywhere near a playoff berth. He has shown glimpses of stardom in his short time in the NBA. Zack Lowe, a prominent ESPN journalist, has expressed confidence that Jalen Green will continue to elevate his game. Especially since the Houston Rockets rely on him to step up in challenging situations.

Green has been practicing with Adam Harrington in Los Angeles. He has been participating in a lot of 5V5 matchups with Durant and Booker.

The new Rockets coach Ime Udoka has been keeping a close eye on Green for the offseason. During a 5-on-5 game, Green and Jabari Smith matched up against Booker and KD. Udoka said, “In my mind, it was Houston against Phoenix.” Udoka said he “saw progress in Green’s passing”.

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Jalen closely observed Kevin Durant and tried to absorb every bit of knowledge from the veteran. KD gave a piece of advice that stuck with Green. KD said, “every practice and drill should mimic game intensity”.

Can Green Lead the Rockets to the Playoffs?

While Green is the star player and the primary threat, the Rockets have assembled a really competitive roster. They signed the likes of Fred Vanvleet and Dillon Brooks in free agency as the front office looks towards their new recruits to provide guidance and knowledge to a very young group of players.

Green, Sengun, Eason, Smith and Thompson are all under the age of twenty-four and need coaching and guidance from senior figures to improve their game. The inclusion of the no-nonsense coach Ime Udoka, along with the seasoned leadership of Vanvleet and Brooks have only raised the bar.

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The Rockets have the potential to facilitate substantial growth of their young core, potentially propelling them to secure a playoff spot.