NBA Analysis: Rockets fans hope this version of Jalen Green sticks around

I took a lot of resistance for my defense of Jalen Green. If I'm honest, most of it is deserved. It's not lost on me that the first three seasons of his career were a disappointment in many ways. But just like when my own children disappoint me, I don't stop loving and believing in them.

My very first TDS article was a comparison of those first three seasons to Kobe Bryant's, comparing how both fan bases were disappointed early in both players' careers.

When I told former Rockets program director and current host of the Killer Bs on ESPN 97.5, Joel Blank, that I had chosen this as my first article, he literally choked on his own spit.

As we sit here four games into the 2024-2025 season, I'm not saying I was right, but so far Jalen isn't proving me wrong, and that should be an encouraging sign for Rockets fans. Has Jalen Green figured things out?

Averaging 28.8 points per game, shooting 43.2 percent, shooting 41.3 percent from the three-point line, and hitting 58.3, Jalen was by no means a model of efficiency, but for him, those numbers are very encouraging. Especially to put them up in October.

The best thing about Jalen's play so far this season is that he has played well in the moments that really matter. Even in the Rockets losses. He is shooting 48.1 percent from the field in the fourth quarter and is averaging one point per minute played, scoring nine points per game in the final quarter.

If he can keep it up, which is really the question here, then Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets should have success in the win-loss category and he should make a name for himself among potential All-Stars this season.

What impressed me most is Jalen Green's performance on defense. This isn't reflected in his defensive rating yet, but he's making significant progress in this area and I expect his defensive rating to drop from its current 112.4.

Jalen Green is +19 on the court for this Rockets team and his play against the Spurs in back-to-back games was for both the near comeback attempt in the first game and for holding off the Spurs' comeback attempt on Monday , crucially important.

This early optimism may be premature, but we'll find out quickly in the Rockets' next road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Halloween Thursday. Has Jalen Green tricked us or will he give us an All-Star season? It's not clear yet, but after four games he's off to a good start. Thanks, Jalen, for giving me some credibility for at least another week.