Rockets' Jalen Green draws praise from NBA champion

Jalen Green has been a major source of dissension among Houston Rockets fans this season. Many are disappointed in the 21-year-old, as he hasn't quite taken the proverbial third-year leap.

Others have emphasized patience, citing Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, and Clyde Drexler as players that went on to have legendary careers despite averaging fewer than 20 points through each of their first three seasons.

Three of the four aforementioned players became NBA champions and each of them became Hall of Famers.

Green is currently averaging 19 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 42 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from three (6.2 attempts), 78.7 percent from the line (5.2 attempts), and 54.5 percent true shooting. 

Green has shown flashes of improvement, especially as a playmaker, which was especially on display during the Rockets' most recent 134-124 loss against the Denver Nuggets. In that game, point Jalen was unleashed, as he had a team-high nine assists, second in the game behind only Nikola Jokic. 

Rockets guard Jalen Green garners recognition from Kyle Kuzma.

Green's play has drawn the attention of 2020 NBA champion and current Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, who cited him as one of the game's best young players on social media.

Green has been remarkably better at home inside of the Toyota Center than on the road. Green averages 22 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 turnovers, 44.8 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from downtown, and 50 percent on two-pointers in nine games in Houston.

Outside of the Rockets' arena, Green has averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.1 turnovers, 38.4 percent from the floor, 31.9 percent from long-range, and 43.1 percent on two-pointers.

Green will need to be more consistent and efficient on offense, as he and second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr.'s development will be the lynchpin in the Rockets' ability to contend in the Western Conference.