Does Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green Fit?

Does Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green Fit?

Alperen Şengün was a top-50 player in the league last season. He looked like the future of the Rockets franchise. Alperen averaged 21 points per game, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Media and fans compared him to Nikola Jokic. Leading the Rockets to the play-in before he fell with an ankle injury. But as Alperen continued to thrive, it made fans wonder how Jalen Green fits with him. Green has not made improvements in his off-ball game or playmaking. So to be efficient, he needs the ball in his hand. Late in the season without the Big Turk, Jalen saw a jump in his play. Averaging 24 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. This has left the average Rockets fan to wonder: can they coexist together as teammates?

Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka will need to answer a lot of questions. With both young stars due for an extension next off-season. Both the general manager and head coach must decide who will lead the organization for years to come. Şengün who comes off as an all-around player, or Jalen Green, who is a talented scorer. The Rockets have made it clear that they look to compete sooner rather than later. They now eye talents like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Lauri Markkanen. Rockets doesn't see themselves as a rebuilding team. The time of Stephen Silas is over. Now, the organization has a lot of tradeable young players, along with solid veterans. Which puts a lot of pressure on both of these guys to perform. To show that they are the face of the modern-day Rockets. The Houston Rockets have flexibility. They have good contracts and young players.

Jalen Green and Şengün aren't the only ones facing pressure this season. Jabari Smith is starting his third year in the league. Paolo Banchero became an All-Star. He led the Magic to seven games against the Cavs. Chet Holmgren had an incredible rookie season. He helped the Thunder reach the top seed. Now, the pressure is on Bari to put his game together. To be the versatile defender the Rockets are hoping for and a good off-the-ball player. Tari Eason, who is coming off an injury, showed real promise on both ends of the court. Fans were calling him to start instead of Green. Amen Thompson has shown flashes of being a good player. If he can get a jumper, then he could be an x-factor for Houston. Along with Reed Sheppard, who looked like one of the best rookies this year. With young players shining, the Rockets could cut their loses with Green or Alperen. As they have many insurance policies.

The Rockets are in no hurry to re-sign the two young stars. They have young players who could be the league's future. Redd Sheppard is a lottery pick in this draft. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith are still under the age of 23. So, that gives the Rockets the time to milk out time. Houston wants to be contenders. This has been evident throughout this off-season. This is a key reason why neither Alperen Şengün nor Jalen Green have put ink on a deal. If Stone decides it can't work out, they could use them as trade bait. It also helps that Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks are on affordable deals. The Rockets are in no rush to make irrational decisions.

The Rockets are playing this off-season smart. They saw the early success of Alperen Şengün this past year, along with Jalen Green in the late part. Instead of making a decision that can hurt their future, like trading one or the other or extending both. They have decided to see how they will play together. Stone has shown to be a good general manager. He continues to make the Houston Rockets young. Which gives them tradable assets in the future. They know there could be stars up for the market too. Depending on how the Suns' season goes, we could see Kevin Durant or Devin Booker on the market. Along with getting a package together for Lauri Markkanen. This gives the two young players a lot of pressure to live up to the hype. Take their game to an All-Star level. Until then, they might get a deal below their target. Or, the duo might have to find a new home.

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