The surging Houston Rockets are the talk of the NBA after reeling off nine straight wins, which put them back in playoff contention. 2021 No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green previously struggled this season before starting a sizzling stretch that has extended from the beginning of March until now.
That has propelled the Rockets to this dramatic turnaround, with Green averaging 28.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over the last 13 games, with Houston going 11-2 during that span. Interestingly enough, they have been without leading scorer Alperin Sengun since March 13th and Green has played even better without him in the lineup.
Is Jalen Green the future of the Houston Rockets or Alperin Sengun?
Green has been averaging 30.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over the seven games since Sengun's injury, leading to questions about whether Green is the future of the team. Or perhaps Sengun is, with the Rockets having previously shopped Green at the trade deadline.
Sengun and Green thrive playing different styles, with the Rockets previously playing slower to accommodate Sengun but faster with Green carrying the scoring load. That calls into question whether they can be the best versions of themselves when playing together. Another factor to consider is that both players will be able to sign extensions this summer.
The Rockets can afford to extend both since most of their roster is on cheap rookie-scale deals but if there are concerns regarding fit, then that issue might not go away. Even still, given how poorly things have gone for Houston since they were forced to trade James Harden back in early 2021, having two potential building blocks is a good problem.
There is also the hope that, given Sengun's playmaking ability, he and Green will co-exist better if Green continues to play at such a high level. The Rockets are very much alive in the play-in race. With Sengun potentially able to return this season, we may get a glimpse of how the two play together now that Green is playing up to his full potential. Not only that but how they play in meaningful games down the stretch and possibly in the play-in tournament. It will definitely be something to keep an eye on going forward.