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Rockets select Jalen Green with No. 2 pick

Steve Freeman / National Basketball Association / Getty

With the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets have selected G League Ignite guard Jalen Green.

Green was the top-ranked recruit on the ESPN 100 for 2020. The McDonald's All-American declined offers from the likes of Auburn and Memphis to become the first member of the G League's new developmental team.

As a member of the Ignite, Green gained experience in pro-style systems and played against seasoned professionals and recent college graduates over a compressed G League season. The 19-year-old didn't look out of place, averaging 17.9 points on 46.1% shooting - including 36.5% from deep - across 15 appearances.

"The guys that I've been around - the Paul Georges, Kobe Bryants - who were also the targets of the other team's best defensive players and their scouting reports, they figured out a way to get it done, and I'm seeing that same kind of thing out of (Green)," Ignite head coach Brian Shaw told reporters, including theScore, during a media availability in March.

Bio

Position: SG
Club: G League Ignite
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 186 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-8
Max vertical: N/A

Strengths

  • Best pure scorer in this year's draft
  • Elite shot-creator; shows smooth footwork on step-back jumpers
  • Explosive first step and leaping ability
  • Has athleticism and strength to finish around the rim
  • Pull-up threat from mid-range and long distance

Weaknesses

  • Lean frame
  • Needs to tighten his handle
  • Defensive intensity fluctuated from game-to-game
  • Has room to improve as a passer but flashed playmaking potential during G League season

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