In recent weeks, Jalen Green has been making headlines for his off-court news of expecting a child with his girlfriend and his impressive performance on the court. His exceptional play has garnered attention, with one analyst even drawing comparisons to a legendary guard.
Green is nearing the end of his third season with the Houston Rockets since being selected as the second overall pick in the 2021 draft. His skills have significantly improved recently, making him named Player of the Week. In his last five games, the 22-year-old has been the top scorer in the NBA, averaging 34.4 points on an impressive 56% shooting accuracy.
Bill Simmons compares Jalen Green’s recent play to Kobe Bryant
The Houston Rockets are currently on fire in the league. They’ve clinched victory in their last eight games and nine out of the last ten while missing their key player, Alperen Sengun, on the court. What’s impressive is how Jalen Green has stepped up significantly for Ime Udoka’s squad.
In a notable career milestone, the former No. 2 pick shows glimpses of a future star, carrying his team with almost 30 points per game on efficient shooting. NBA analyst Bill Simmons even sees shades of Kobe Bryant in his playing style.
In his recent podcast episode, the commentator praised the former G-League standout, highlighting Jalen Green’s impressive shooting skills and likening him to a young Kobe Bryant from the late ’90s, as reported by ClutchFans.
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He expressed admiration, saying, “Observing his game over the past few weeks, it’s remarkable. When you think about a shooting guard’s capabilities in terms of scoring, he seems to have mastered every move and shot.” These comments reflect a positive outlook on the player’s offensive abilities.
Comparing him to Kobe, known for his late-blooming career, the commentator suggests that there’s potential for the standout player to develop further. However, he notes that the player’s defensive prowess isn’t on par with Kobe’s, highlighting an area for improvement.
Despite initial criticism regarding his shot selection and decision-making, recent performances indicate significant progress. The commentator implies that the Rockets should be optimistic about their young talent, mainly when he’s not on the court with Sengun, showing increased efficiency and effectiveness.
Jalen’s defence saw significant improvement
Discussing his growth on the court is not just about his scoring skills for Jalen Green. His defensive game has also seen significant improvement since his rookie year. This includes his individual defence and contributions to the team’s defensive efforts. This development is noteworthy and perhaps even more crucial for his future success.
When Green first joined the NBA, he had much to learn defensively. His lack of experience and slender build made it challenging. However, under then-coach Stephen Silas, the focus was on giving Green playing time, even if it meant making mistakes. Despite the Houston Rockets struggling as a team, Green’s ability to score from various parts of the court provided a foundation for the team, even if his efficiency wasn’t perfect.
As the team changed with Ime Udoka taking over as head coach, Green’s defensive responsibilities became more demanding. The error tolerance decreased, with each mistake risking a spot on the bench. This shift is evident when Udoka reacts during games, signalling the importance of defensive discipline for players like Green.
In the comment section, let me know your thoughts about Jalen Greens’s performance in these last games. We would love to hear about it.
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