Shocking stat highlights how badly Rockets' Jalen Green is struggling

The Houston Rockets had high hopes for Jalen Green. For their fanbase, that goes double.

Green was the first light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. When the Rockets traded James Harden, fans knew they were in for a strenuous rebuilding process. As the first lottery pick from that process, Green was supposed to carry the Rockets to a new day.

That was 2021. Fast forward to 2024, and Rockets fans are excited about Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason. Even Reed Sheppard occupies a warmer place in their hearts.

Unfortunately, Green has struggled. He's one of the least efficient high-volume offensive players in the NBA. A new stat highlights exactly how (painfully) true that statement is.

Rockets' Jalen Green can't score in isolation

It would be one thing if Green were the least efficient isolation scorer in the NBA. A painful, depressing thing? Sure.

The worst isolation scorer in the NBA by a thousand miles? That's particularly bothersome. There is a chasm between Green and the next worst player on this list. He is the least efficient isolation scorer in the NBA, and it is not even close.

This was supposed to be Green's calling card. There were questions about his overall game when he was coming into the NBA. Analysts didn't know if Green would be a capable defender, or if his passing vision would develop. His capacity to generate baskets for himself was never in question.

If Green can't do that, what's his future with this team?

Rockets should plan for life after Green

In hindsight, the Rockets' three-year tank job is ripe with irony.

Teams tank to maximize their odds of landing franchise-changing talent. It's easier to find that talent near the top of the draft. Yet, two of the Rockets' top three most exciting prospects were selected outside of the lottery.

The Rockets whiffed on Green. That's abundantly clear by now. What's more, they went against the grain by selecting him. Consensus had Evan Mobley as the second overall pick in the class, and the Rockets opted for Green.

Jabari Smith Jr. is a different story. He was widely held to be the third (or better) rated prospect in his class, and the Rockets picked third. Nobody can hold that selection against them, and moreover, Smith Jr. still has a better chance of establishing himself with the team than Green.

Yet, here are the Rockets: in a good situation. Sengun, Thompson and Eason constitute one of the most exciting young trios in the NBA. The Rockets have more young talent, and a surplus of draft capital to make additional moves if necessary.

Perhaps they'll use it on someone who can score in isolation.