The "Superstar" of the Rockets Rises! From Doubts to the True Scene, Three Consecutive Wins Unveil the Future Blueprint
Jalen Green, a future superstar or just a fleeting moment? Two years ago, the Rockets selected this determined and energetic young man with the second overall pick in the draft. However, at that time, many experts shook their heads and sighed, "Another player with excellent physical abilities but lacking basketball IQ." The doubts were like an impending storm, and fans' criticisms didn't stop either: "Isn't it just about jumping? What about stability?" Even during this year's offseason, when the Rockets renewed Green's contract for $106 million over three years in advance, the deal was ridiculed as "gambling on youth." But the facts have proven that the Rockets made the right bet, and they won big.
Recently, the Rockets' three-game winning streak has become a hot topic across the league, and there is no doubt that Green is the main character behind it. In the three games, he scored 27 points, 29 points, and 33 points respectively, using his signature breakaway layups and precise outside shooting to prove his growth to the outside world. From being a showman to becoming the core of the team, his transformation did not come by chance.
Stability is what impresses people most about Green. Last season, his performance in each game was like "opening a blind box": he could score 20+ when in good form, but also make consecutive mistakes and recklessly charge into multiple defenders when in poor form. However, now, his shot selection is smarter, his ball control rhythm is more stable, and he dares to take responsibility in critical moments. This makes people wonder: Is this really the "reckless youngster"?
Of course, data alone is not enough to be convincing. Experts have begun to compare him with Ja Morant of the Grizzlies. Both are high draft picks with strong scoring abilities, but both have had their ups and downs on the road to growth.
However, Green now seems to have "Morant's shadow" in terms of scoring methods and mental toughness. If this trend continues, Green really has the potential to become the leader of the Rockets in the future.
The $106 million contract during the offseason once pushed the Rockets' management onto the cusp of public opinion. "Renewing the contract after only two years, isn't that throwing money away?" But now, this renewal looks more and more valuable. Instead of blindly seeking veterans, the Rockets chose to bet on their young core, which can be said to be a clear and decisive approach.
Looking back at the days after Harden left, the Rockets tried to quickly "stop the bleeding" by recruiting veteran John Wall. But what was the result? Not only was the record terrible, but the salary space was also filled up.
In contrast, now, timely abandoning meaningless reinforcement and turning to cultivate young cores is a brilliant move.
Rather than clinging to fading veterans in hopes of a so-called "revival," it is better to fully support the future leaders—believing that this renewal can become an important cornerstone for the Rockets' continued rise.
Of course, the rise of the Rockets is not just about Green's solo performance—Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and other young players are also quietly growing. Their progress is like the silent nourishment of things, especially their defensive performances are eye-catching. Nowadays, the Rockets' defensive efficiency ranks third in the league, while two years ago, watching the Rockets play was like "watching a grand show during the New Year," where opponents could easily win.
Amen Thompson, the most watched rookie of 2023, at the age of 20, has a surprising competitive temperament. He can not only grab points on the offensive end but also use his height and agile reactions to block opponents' breakthrough routes. And Tari Eason is equally convincing on defense, with several "replay-worthy" defensive moments in every game. A team's rise often requires overall growth, not just reliance on one player. In this regard, the young players of the Rockets are using their actual performances to draw a beautiful footnote for team basketball.
The rapid growth of young players is largely due to the "flash of inspiration" in the Rockets' management during the rebuilding process.
In recent years, the Rockets have continuously unearthed new stars at the draft: Jalen Green in 2021, Jabari Smith in 2022, Amen Thompson in 2023... Each of them is distinct and specializes in different areas. And this deep potential reserve is the key to the Rockets' ability to quickly rise now.
You should know that rebuilding in the NBA has never been an easy task. Some people are anxious, relying on signing veterans for short-term reinforcement, only to die from excessive salary space; others have been tanking for too long, with low morale throughout the team, becoming a long-term "minnow." The Rockets' approach is to accumulate talent through high draft picks and let young players mature in actual combat. Compared to signing "big contracts" and taking risks, their long-term vision deserves praise.
As old rivals of the Rockets, the Spurs also follow the path of young cores, but the strategies of the two teams have significant differences. The Spurs hope that Wembanyama will grow slowly, which fits their consistent style of steady progress. On the other hand, the Rockets chose to quickly lock in Green as the cornerstone of the future, using the method of early renewal to place a "top chip."
There is no absolute winner or loser between these two models, but the Rockets' aggressive strategy undoubtedly suits the current Western Conference landscape. In the context of fierce competition and fleeting opportunities, the Rockets' "early bet" has allowed the team to see results in the short term. It must be acknowledged that the continuous trust in Green, this core player, is the important reason why the Rockets can rise to become contenders in the West.
The Rockets' current integrated offensive and defensive playstyle is very much in line with the successful template of modern basketball. Looking at strong teams like the Celtics and Bucks, who rely on defense to establish themselves and then decide victory with offense, their hard power is tough enough. And the Rockets' path to rise seems to be following this "classic route." In the future, they are fully capable of becoming dark horses in the playoffs, or even competing with strong teams like the Grizzlies and Nuggets.
Of course, the future of the Rockets is not without worries. Whether the growth of the young core can continue, whether weaknesses will be exposed under the pressure of the playoffs, these are all unknowns. But undoubtedly, their current model has become a model for rebuilding teams. If the management continues to adhere to the correct direction and adds bricks and tiles at the right time, this young Rockets might be able to complete a "soaring leap" in the near future.
This season, the Rockets are no longer the overlooked Western Conference minnows. They are like a rocket that has just been ignited, with only one goal: the vast expanse of the universe.