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Houston Rockets Offense: Jalen Green Being Held Back? + Ime Udoka On Alperen Sengun’s Slow Starts
Is Fred VanVleet Holding Jalen Green Back? A Deep Dive into the Houston Rockets Dynamics
The Houston Rockets have been buzzing with discussions about the impact of Fred VanVleet on Jalen Green’s performance. As a high-usage guard, VanVleet’s presence has sparked debates on whether he might be hindering Green’s offensive potential. While VanVleet’s style might limit Green’s rhythm, the issue is more complex than it appears.
The Dynamics of High-Usage Guards
Jalen Green thrives as a rhythm player, needing consistent touches to build confidence and enhance his overall game. When Green scores 20 to 30 points, his contributions on defense and his playmaking also improve. However, the notion that VanVleet is solely responsible for holding Green back is misleading. The Rockets strategy often involves replacing VanVleet with Amen Thompson, a wing player, allowing Green to fill the “lead guard” position. This setup plays to Green’s strengths, but the challenge lies in the efficiency of his performance.
In games where VanVleet didn’t play, Green averaged 24.5 points but with a shooting percentage of just 43% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. This suggests that while Green’s volume increases, his efficiency does not necessarily improve. The real question is whether the slight uptick in Green’s performance without VanVleet justifies altering the team’s dynamics. Green’s current level of play doesn’t warrant a drastic change in the Rockets system, especially considering VanVleet’s contributions in limiting turnovers and involving Alperen Sengun.
The Role of Team Dynamics and Matchups
The Rockets performance is also influenced by matchups. Green’s standout games often occur against teams like the Wizards and Clippers, where the Rockets have favorable matchups. This raises the question of whether Green’s improved performance is due to VanVleet’s absence or simply the nature of the opponents.
Moreover, the Rockets offensive scheme heavily relies on the two-man game between VanVleet and Sengun. This partnership has proven effective, with VanVleet assisting Sengun 38 times this season. In contrast, VanVleet has only assisted Green nine times, highlighting a potential area for improvement in their on-court chemistry. The Rockets strategy often involves staggering VanVleet and Green’s minutes, allowing Green to lead the second unit. However, Green’s mentality in these situations needs to shift to fully capitalize on his opportunities.
Ultimately, the Rockets challenge is to find a balance that maximizes Green’s potential without sacrificing the team’s overall efficiency. The current setup allows Green to shine in certain situations, but the team must explore ways to enhance his performance alongside VanVleet.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets dynamics, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Alperen Sengun’s slow starts and how they impact the Rockets performance
- Insights into the Rockets upcoming matchups and strategies
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you’re an NBA Cup convert or still a little dubious about the necessity of the in-season tournament, a primer might help. For one, the format has grown slightly less confusing moving into the eight team, single-elimination round — win or go home is pretty simple to follow. And if you’re hoping to soak up all the basketball you can in the minimal stretch of it through the next 10 days of Cup contention, you’re stuck with the tournament.
Let’s look at the four teams hitting the floor tonight.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Magic were delivered a particularly cruel blow to what’s been a hybrid Cinderella and simultaneously gritty season, with Franz Wagner’s injury. Wagner is out with a torn right oblique, the same injury the Magic’s star and his running mate, Paolo Banchero, is out with. Wagner’s timeline is indefinite, while Banchero is gearing up for a return, but there’s a slim chance it will come within the In-Season’s tournaments bounds. The Magic don’t want nor have any reason to rush things.
That said, this team has shown a next man up mentality in its extremes. What’s usually a coach-coded turn of phrase is taken literally by Orlando’s roster. On Sunday against the Suns, Goga Bitadze put up 21 points, Jalen Suggs had 26, Cole Anthony chipped in 14 and Franz Wagner’s elder brother, Moritz Wagner, came up with 10. All down the roster, everyone is doing a little bit of everything, and while the frustration is certainly there in losing two of their best players, it’s not what’s fuelling their effort.
The Bucks won’t be an easy team to beat, but the Magic will throw everything at them.
The Bucks are coming off a losing skid, beating the Nets over the weekend, are playing at home, and have gone undefeated in tournament games. Gary Trent Jr., who started the season off quiet, has looked great and Bobby Portis, who some fans have felt a cooling off for, is still filling the gaps where his team needs him to. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have averaged 29.3 points in tournament play, and Khris Middleton is back to round out that arsenal of very deep shooting.
Still, they find a unique matchup with the Magic though, given that Orlando’s defence allows the least amount of threes in the league. Even short-handed, the Magic will be pushing Milwaukee’s shooting threats as far out as they can, or else double- and triple-teaming them.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavs have found their footing after a slippery start to the season, winning seven of their last eight matches. Simultaneously, Luka Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week — he’s been averaging 29.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game over the last week.
The last time the Mavs and Thunder faced each other, OKC was short Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein and the Mavs were with Doncic. Now, all but Holmgren are back on the floor on what’s going to be a fun, potentially chippy, and playoff preview style game.
Doncic is traditionally loathe to hide his in-game reactions and mood, while the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unreadable, cool as anything partially as a way to further frustrate opponents. The two of them face-to-face, given their signature handles, disruptive flow, and steps ahead playmaking makes for a compelling matchup with an extra layer of body language translation.
The one weakness OKC has that the Mavs can capitalize on is bullying Hartenstein and hoping for early foul trouble. As the big man’s come back into the Thunder’s typical small-ball rotation, he’s been getting into foul trouble. It’s been manageable, but the Mavs will be looking to press it.
Both these teams are at different points in their competitive trajectories; the Mavs have felt a regression while the Thunder are finally and fully surging with confidence and the skill to back it up. It feels a little like a contested passing of the West’s proverbial torch, with OKC hungry for it and Dallas’ loathe to give it up. It’ll be good basketball.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Discover why the Houston Rockets need Fred VanVleet in their lineup against the Warriors. A crucial analysis of his impact on the team’s performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Explore Houston’s path to Las Vegas in the NBA Cup with our comprehensive preview. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Dillon Brooks is a key player for the Houston Rockets against the Warriors. Learn why his role is crucial to the game and what to expect from his performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Must Read How the Raptors’ RJ Barrett ended up exactly where he needs to be. (SportsNet)
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 8:30PM | Toyota Center, Houston, TX | Get Tickets
Pelicans @ Rockets
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Toyota Center, Houston, TX | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Raptors
Sunday, Dec. 22 | 6:00PM | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Key Fantasy Basketball Streaming Strategies
Dec 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper/Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
As we gear up for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, it’s crucial to identify where the streaming value lies for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. With only two games on Tuesday, the schedule is light, but the potential for strategic plays is significant.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Orlando Magic face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, with the Bucks entering as seven-point favourites. The Magic are dealing with significant injuries, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Gary Harris out, while Jonathan Isaac is questionable. This opens up opportunities for Cole Anthony, who is expected to step up in the absence of key players. Anthony’s scoring potential makes him a valuable addition to your fantasy roster, especially with the Magic needing someone to fill the scoring void.
On the Bucks’ side, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and MarJon Beauchamp are listed as probable.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Thunder are slight favourites, and both teams have straightforward schedules, playing Tuesday and then either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the outcome.
The status of Paul Washington Jr. and Naji Marshall is uncertain, which could lead to increased minutes for players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes.
Click the button below to get more tips on streaming options for this week of action.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
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Houston Rockets “Soft” Loss Vs Warriors: Alperen Sengun Slow Starts, Jalen Green Struggles & More Analyzing the Rockets disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, Ime Udoka highlighting the team’s “soft” play and the Rockets not meeting their win conditions. What went wrong?
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