Rockets: 3 important goals for Gerald Green to focus on for next season

By Hasan Hindi

Sep 8, 2018

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the national anthem prior to game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket defended by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on December 31, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2) Improving His Perimeter Defense

While Green’s offensive contributions were impressive for the team last year, his less than stellar defense made Green almost unplayable within certain rotations due to him being a liability. The Rockets found themselves most of the time shuffling through a 6 man lineup during meaningful minutes of the playoffs, often leaving Green as a spectator on the bench.

This was definitely the case during the Warriors match-up. With Green during the playoffs, Houston had a Defensive Rating of 111.3. This is unacceptable, especially in the postseason when Dantoni is counting on specific players to be part of a 7 to 8 man playoff rotation. Green has to step up and prioritize defense this season in order to maximize his potential and value to this team moving forward.

Next: Goal #3