Rockets’ Jalen Green understands foul calls will come with time
Houston Rockets rookie Jalen Green has made a name for himself as a player capable of creating for himself and driving into the paint and finishing at the rim, traits that have been on display early this season.
The ability of Green to use his athleticism and speed to snake around defenders and finish at the basket has dazzled at times. He showed that skillset countless times last season with the NBA G League Ignite, and again this season with Houston.
While Green often finds success driving to the basket, he has been unable to get to the free-throw line. This was notable on Sunday when Green erupted for 30 points, converting on 11-of-18 shot attempts from the field with no free throws.
Green, who averages seven drives per game, has not attempted one free throw in four games. Of the players this season to have logged at least 125 minutes, Green is the only one without a free-throw attempt during his time on the court.
Said Green:
On the court, I’ve probably gotten frustrated a couple of times. I understand that I’m a rookie and I’m not going to get calls like that. It’s a man’s league anyways. I just gotta be stronger and keep being aggressive and not let that get to me and keep playing my game.
There have been fewer free-throw attempts this season with the NBA cracking down on “non-basketball moves” that have given offensive players the benefit in recent memory.
However, that likely wouldn’t apply much to Green, who doesn’t utilize much of those moves.
Game #4 no freethrows for jalen Green …….. he’s the only player to get perfect defense played against him pic.twitter.com/jQ5OqhgpCV
— Trevion De’Rico (@popitfor_DeRico) October 27, 2021
Of course, there is no real explanation as to why Green hasn’t gotten to the charity stripe. But, as Green alluded to, rookie players often don’t earn the same type of calls that established players in the league receive since they have to earn that respect.
Green will eventually break through and receive his share of foul calls but will have to continue to weather the storm in the meantime.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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