Houston Rockets: 6 takeaways from preseason opener against Shanghai

3. Gerald Green remains a top quality X-factor

Gerald Green feasted on a weaker opponent, and he won’t do that with regularity against real NBA teams, but it is comforting knowing he hasn’t shown any regression in his athleticism or his jump shot as he approaches age 34.

Green will be nothing more than an X-factor for Houston in the upcoming season, but he can’t be that guy without his trademark athleticism and catch-and-shoot ability.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1179048321744130053

Green finished with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and shot 5-for-6 on 3-point attempts. His blocked shot, loose ball chase and breakaway dunk was one of the highlights of the game and showcased he can still play with his classic athleticism and tenaciousness. His 3-point shooting is perfect for spacing the floor with James Harden, and his speed on the break will fit perfectly with Russell Westbrook. If his shot is falling, Green remains the perfect X-factor for Houston.

Next: No. 2