Agreed. Also not for nothing but stability is good actually

I advocated for Rafael Stone to receive a modest contract extension back in February.

Stone obviously hasn’t been perfect, but he’s done an admirable job with the crappy hand he was dealt in 2020.

rednationhoops.com/p/a-4-year-rep…

From Marc Stein’ latest newsletter:

“The Houston Rockets' strong play in the season's second half has likewise generated an expectation in some league corners that an extension is forthcoming for general manager Rafael Stone.”

marcstein.substack.com/p/latest-from-…

I agree with the premise that Jalen Green hasn’t made a “leap”, but it would be foolish to use these numbers to suggest that he’s the same player. He’s improved in a few notable areas:

1. He’s a much better rebounder. It was kind of inexcusable for him to be as bad at rebounding

🗣️NEW POD

📋 Have the Houston Rockets Arrived? w/ Salman Ali

Recent surge (3:17)
Amen (6:02)
Jalen (18:02)
Sengun (24:18)
Jabari (30:13)
Cam (42:49)
Defense (49:52)
Offseason (53:03)

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✳️ spoti.fi/49nw8Ej
📺 youtu.be/xwUNPcg-k00

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They went for the quick 2…

For God’s sake don’t go for the quick 2.

As many strides as Jalen Green has made this year, one area he still hasn’t shown enough improvement in is ball handling.

It’s still just way too easy for some of these defenders to pickpocket him.

The greatest change since Sengun went down is not spacing or usage. It’s Houston’s speed.

If you want to argue that Green is benefiting from faster pace of play, I’m amenable to that. The logic tracks.

The spacing stuff is just so reductive and more importantly, wrong.

It’s just lazy analysis, guys.

If these are your takes, just admit you stopped paying attention to the Rockets two months ago during their losing spell.

People who attribute Jalen’s success to “increased usage and spacing” due to Sengun’s absence just haven’t been watching the Rockets.

1. Green’s had a near-identical usage rate to Sengun all season long. Role and opportunity haven’t been an issue.

2. Houston was already playing

1. Jalen Green’s been awesome.

He was already showing signs of growth this season as a defender, passer, and contact drawer, but now he’s combining it with absurd shot-making.

2. Folks need to stop framing this as a “since Alperen Sengun went down” run.

Green had his first

New Red Nation Hoops episode w/ Forrest Walker:

Can the Rockets make the Play-In Tournament?

rednationhoops.com/p/can-the-rock…

Jock Landale will start in place of Jabari Smith for the Rockets tonight.

Oh?

Kris Dunn has been suspended two games without pay for initiating the altercation last game with Jabari Smith.

Smith has also been suspended one game.

The Houston Rockets have won 8 straight games and are now a .500 basketball team again.

Jalen Green’s up to 39 points now.

Jalen Green’s trying to get back-to-back Player of the Weeks:

36 points
3 rebounds
3 assists
1 steal

14-19 from the field
7-10 from 3-PT range
4-4 from the FT line

+36 in 28 minutes