Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green had a fairly impressive rookie season during the 2021-22 campaign. He averaged 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.
However, it seems like the youngster hasn’t impressed sports pundit Bill Simmons at all.
“F— Jalen Green,” Simmons said on his podcast. “I don’t care you’re scoring 40 points and your team’s 19-60. Congratulations. Herb Jones is like guarding dudes in real games.
“Now, the Houston people are going to be mad at me. I’m sorry. I like winning players, I’m sorry. Jalen Green will get there, it’s just that team was 21-61 this year or whatever.”
It’s definitely interesting to hear Simmons’ comments. The Rockets definitely didn’t have the best record this season, finishing 20-62, but that’s not entirely Green’s fault.
They were one of the youngest teams in the league this season, and it showed throughout the year. Houston had two losing streaks of at least 12 games. However, they had some bright moments, winning seven consecutive games early on in the season.
The season gave the Rockets a chance to give some of their young guys heavy minutes. Those players have shown that they have what it takes to become solid pieces for a winning team.
Players like Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Sengun definitely have bright futures ahead of them. All three players are part of a solid young core for the Rockets.
Although Green was fairly good this season, he’s likely not going to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes are seen as the top threats for the award.
Perhaps Green will use Simmons’ comments as motivation for next season and beyond.
