By Vinod Ram 
The NBA Draft is a high-stakes poker game. Teams can make “safe” picks. Alternatively, they can make star-making picks. These selections bet on talent so bright it can redefine a franchise.
The Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. They weren’t just adding a talented guard. Instead, they invested in a blueprint for explosive, modern NBA stardom.
So, what made Green a surefire top-two selection? Ultimately, it was a fusion of three distinct, awe-inspiring elements.
1. The Vertical Jet Fuel: A Different Kind of Bounce
First, let’s state the obvious: Jalen Green is a phenomenal athlete. We’ve seen leapers before. However, Green’s elite athleticism is a different breed. It’s not just his high vertical leap. It’s more about how he uses it.
For example, he needs no runway. From a standstill dribble, Green can explode past defenders. They are left watching from below.
Furthermore, he is a true hang-time artist. He can adjust his body in mid-air to finish through contact. This control gives him a critical split-second advantage.
This athleticism isn’t just for SportsCenter Top 10 highlights. It’s a foundational weapon. It pressures the rim, draws fouls, and collapses defenses.
His high school mixtapes hinted at this generational bounce. For instance, ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage often features such prospects. For young players, improving explosiveness is key. Therefore, resources like the NBA’s Official YouTube Channel offer great drills.
2. More Than Just Ups: The Sculpted Scoring Craft
If Green were only an athlete, he might have been a later pick. However, his scoring craft made him a prototype for a future NBA scoring champion.
Unlike many prospects, he skipped college. Instead, he chose the G League Ignite. This path, analyzed by The Athletic, let him refine his skills against professionals. Similarly, Bleacher Report has covered how this route is changing player development.
His game is built on being a three-level threat. This means he can score from anywhere on the court.
- At the Rim: His explosive first step gets him there.
- Mid-Range: He has a smooth, quick-release pull-up.
- Beyond the Arc: He confidently shoots from deep NBA-range.
Additionally, his ball-handling is a true weapon. He uses a devastating hesitation move to freeze defenders. As a result, he blows by them with ease.
3. The “It” Factor: Why He Was the No. 2 Pick
Cade Cunningham was the clear first choice. Consequently, the Rockets had a major decision at number two. They weren’t just looking for a good player. They needed a transcendent talent.
The Rockets are in a rebuilding process. Therefore, they bet on the player with the highest potential. Green embodies the modern NBA shooting guard. He can be a primary offensive engine. Moreover, he can shift a game’s momentum single-handedly.
As analyzed by NBA.com’s draft experts, his profile was perfect. He wasn’t a raw project. Instead, he was a star project. He had all the tools ready to be assembled into an All-NBA player.
The Verdict
The NBA Draft is ultimately about potential. Jalen Green’s potential screamed “superstar.”
The blueprint was clear. The Rockets combined his rare athleticism with a polished scoring arsenal. Now, they are building their future around it.
So far, we are watching that blueprint come to life. For Rockets fans, it’s an exciting time. Tracking his stats on Basketball-Reference.com shows his rapid growth. Additionally, watching his film breakdowns on Thinking Basketball provides deeper insight.
Ultimately, the pick was inevitable. The Rockets secured a future NBA star.
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