When the Houston Rockets made the pivotal decision to trade their franchise player, James Harden, they aimed to rebuild rather than compete for a playoff spot. This strategy involved focusing on acquiring draft picks that could lead to lottery selections, setting the stage for a comprehensive reformation of the team’s roster.
In the wake of the Harden trade, the Rockets received picks from the Brooklyn Nets, which eventually led to a high lottery selection in 2021. They used this pick to select the explosive Jalen Green from the G League, a player they hoped could develop into a superstar. The franchise emphasized patience in nurturing their young talent, prioritizing player development over immediate victories. This commitment bore fruit when they also secured Alperen Sengun with the 16th pick in the same draft, forming a dynamic duo in Green and Sengun, which the organization believed could lead them back into championship contention.
Years of rebuilding saw the Rockets shift their approach towards competitiveness with the hiring of head coach Ime Udoka and the signing of veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. This transition yielded positive outcomes, as the Rockets experienced a remarkable 19-game improvement. Green’s performance surged, earning him All-Star consideration as he played a crucial role in propelling the team to the brink of the playoffs. Though injuries sidelined Sengun late in the season, Green thrived during the stretch, earning accolades for his play in March and April.
The Rockets ultimately reached the playoffs for the first time since the Harden era, finishing as the second seed. However, their postseason journey was short-lived, as they faced off against the Golden State Warriors in a tough seven-game series, marked by Green’s inconsistent contributions.
In a surprising move following that playoff exit, the Rockets traded Green to the Phoenix Suns for future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. While the franchise believed that acquiring Durant would elevate their standing, the young star expressed disappointment, feeling a deep connection to Houston.
As the season progressed, Jalen Green’s return to the court has been hindered by a hamstring injury sustained during the preseason, marking a stark contrast to his previous streak of 186 consecutive games played. He has only managed to log 30 minutes this season amidst ongoing recovery challenges, missing both encounters between the Rockets and Suns.
With the Rockets and Suns set to clash again on January 5th, recent reports indicate that Green will need an additional two to three weeks for rehabilitation, thereby ensuring he misses yet another matchup with his former team. Green, who had eagerly anticipated this confrontation to prove the Rockets wrong for their trade decision, will have to wait for potentially one last chance later in the regular season on April 7th to face them.
Despite setbacks, both the Rockets and Green remain focused on future opportunities, demonstrating resilience and the potential for growth as they navigate this pivotal season.