The Rockets’ rebuilding took a new turn last Thursday. By selecting Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher in the first round of the Draft, respectively in 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 24th positions, the Texas franchise has recovered four great talents, with very different profiles from each other.
Initially, however, Houston had “only” three choices in the first round. But his GM, Rafael Stone, did not hesitate to pick up a fourth. And, to finally have four new players with great potential, all only 19 years old. And possibly called to contribute from next season.
« We have selected a lot of players because we think they are all very, very talented. He explained to the Houston Chronicle. ” They are already capable of doing some things and, in my opinion, there are aspects of their game that show that they are already good NBA players. And, considering their age, it’s very exciting, because I think they’re at a point where you can still really improve. »
Jalen Green, future face of the franchise?
Main display head of this quartet of Texan rookies: Jalen Green, the 2nd choice of the 2021 Draft. than being thrilled to land on the team of his great friend, Kevin Porter Jr.
And its new leader is also delighted by the arrival of a player full of ambitions, with an already “NBA ready” profile.
« Jalen [Green] is someone particularly privileged », Thus delivered Rafael Stone. ” He’s a wonderful athlete, he just runs faster than the rest and he’s athletic in a super helpful way. It’s not just jumping, it’s not steep, but it’s very fluid. He jumps incredibly high and he can also dribble or shoot. Normally, people who are this athletic are not so skillful because they just rely on their athleticism. So we feel that this combination of skills makes him an incredibly exciting prospect. And that’s what makes it so attractive. »
And, beyond the only qualities of basketball player of Jalen Green, it is his human qualities and competitor which attracts more the GM of Houston.
« His passion for basketball sets him apart [de tous les autres joueurs draftés] », Judged Rafael Stone. ” This is something that particularly appeals to me about him. He does his job, he’s a gym rat. I was fortunate to be able to spend enough time with him to personally confirm this impression. And the only thing I ask is that we get maximum effort from him, of which I am convinced. »
Alperen Sengun, an MVP still in the works
In 16th position, the Rockets were then able to indirectly select Alperen Sengun, making a deal with the Thunder to have the Oklahoma franchise send him to them, in exchange for two future first-round picks (Pistons, Wizards), however. very protected.
This Turkish pivot of 2m08, elected MVP of the Turkish League in 2021, with 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 against and 1.3 interception on average, is thus endowed with a great experience of the professional world. Good rebounder, very gifted offensively, especially at the low post, he will however have to work a lot defensively and shoot, in order to aim better than a simple role of rotation in the NBA.
And it was probably these two weaknesses that cost Alperen Sengun this place in the Top 10 of the Draft, which he was likely to clinch.
« He is already an accomplished player, someone unique, who does not really play like the others », Rafael Stone analyzed, about the former Besiktas player. ” He is very skillful and can only do one thing. He has the potential to become special, his cap is higher than that of a lot of players. And it is exciting. We didn’t think he would still be available in 23rd position, so we were aggressive in getting up and recovering him. »
Usman Garuba, the “best defender in the world, outside the NBA”?
Other prospect European promising but limited on one side of the field, and who finally fell in the Draft, Usman Garuba was called up by Adam Silver in 23rd position. Indeed, unlike Alperen Sengun, the Spanish interior is a solid defender, who sins mainly in attack, due to an irregular and still fragile shoot.
Team player par excellence, the one who is currently with the “Roja” at the Olympic Games in Tokyo will undoubtedly find his place in the rotation of Stephen Silas, far from being set in stone, thanks to his experience. , its physical intensity and, of course, its defensive qualities.
« He’s the best defender in the world, outside the NBA Rafael Stone said bluntly, concerning Usman Garuba. ” He will be able to defend on a pivot, but also on a leader. He is disturbing, he can counter shots, catch rebounds. He can really become influential there. As for his offensive game, he is a bit more in the development phase, but his shoot has improved over the past two years. »
Josh Christopher, a wisp to tame
Last of these four neo-rookies to have been selected by Houston, in 24th choice: Josh Christopher. Like Jalen Green, the former resident of Arizona State University plays at the back. And, like Jalen Green, he’s never as comfortable as he is on offense, where his explosiveness and scoring skills can do damage.
But the difference between the two players is mainly reflected in their current defensive skills, Josh Christopher being particularly handicapped by a bad reading of the game and “pick-and-roll” situations in defense. Even if it seems to have the capacity to limit damage, physically.
« Josh [Christopher] is a dynamic person with the ball in his hands », Rafael Stone confided about the person concerned. ” He was one of the best players of the vintage in transition, if not the best. Jalen [Green] and Josh are the two players I have enjoyed admiring the most on the counter attack. And, on top of that, Josh has the potential to become a real good defender on the man. »
Next step: the Summer League
In the end, when taking stock of the Rockets’ Draft 2021, the GM of the franchise is unequivocal: it is a surprising and frank success.
« I think it went even better than hoped. I mean we were very interested in [Alperen] Sengun but I would not have been very optimistic about his coming to us, if you had asked me the question [avant la Draft]. It doesn’t always go as planned, but we’re really, really excited about this group. »
The bases of the Texan renewal are thus laid and, from now on, place to the Summer League of Las Vegas (8-17 August) for these various rookies. With the exception, probably, of Usman Garuba, since he is still in Tokyo, with Spain.
