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OKC Thunder NBA draft prospect profile: Rapid riser Jalen Green

By Tamberlyn Richardson

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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OKC Thunder prospect series: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite passes around Louis King #2 of the Westchester Kicks. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

 Jalen Green strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

One factor which helped Green’s stock rise was he played in the G-League this season instead of college. While fellow prospect was exposed for his age and inexperience Green excelled at facing other players who are already in the association.

At just 19 years old and not 20 until next February, Green’s ceiling and growth potential are untapped. What makes him so exciting is his athleticism and offensive potential. For the moment his speed driving the paint, getting out in transition, and zooming in from the wings for massive dunks are why the buzz around him grew.

Yet, there are other elements of his game that are well ahead of most of his college counterparts. He possesses the ability to pull up in transition to drain the 3-ball and has a fluid shot from every area of the court. Although he can improve upon his ball-handling he’s mastered a nice crossover, can function in the pick and roll, and maneuver in close to outsmart bigger defenders at the rim.

Playing in the G-League provided other advantages that give him a leg up on his college cohorts. Specifically, he’s already very familiar with how NBA varsity defenses work as G-League affiliates emulate their franchise systems.

While Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Jalen Suggs are all earmarked to have franchise-changing potential many believe Green could be the player in five years who becomes a superstar based on his electric athleticism and offensive skills.

Weaknesses:

With news the Rockets are set on targeting Green it feels like a great fit particularly with Stephen Silas at the helm. With D’Antoni gone the system of playing with constant pace and getting up multiple shots isn’t the mandate.

That bodes well for Green especially since the one area of offense that he needs to tweak is learning how to adapt to different paces. Not every play can be full out 100 miles an hour so Silas and the Rockets working with him to get his offensive skills to work in the half-court or in their system will be invaluable. Having John Wall to help him gain accuracy and variety in his passes and playmaking will also be a welcome benefit.

Again, he’s only 19 so this isn’t unexpected and in some ways, he’s ahead of his college peers because he’s already adapted to the NBA pace in the G-League.

Like many rookies, the main area he’ll need to work on is the defensive end. Time in the weight room is essential as is his commitment and focus to defending.

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