Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets has faced immense pressure since being drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2021, particularly as the successor to James Harden. The Rockets, who have struggled significantly since Harden's departure, have relied heavily on Green to lead them through their rebuilding phase. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and improving scoring numbers over his first two seasons, Green found himself part of a losing franchise with a record of 22-60 in 2022-23.
In a shift towards competitiveness, the Rockets hired Ime Udoka as head coach and made key acquisitions, signaling a commitment to winning. This season, while Green showed inconsistency, he also demonstrated potential by leading the team on an 11-game winning streak in March. His recent performances have been pivotal in lifting the Rockets to a top 10 position in the Western Conference.