Jalen Green Considered Lock At No. 2; Rockets ‘Stonewalled’ By Evan Mobley

The idea of G League Ignite guard Jalen Green being selected No. 2 overall in Thursday’s NBA Draft appears to be gaining traction.

Per Jonathan Givony of ESPN, Green appears to be a lock, especially since the Rockets have been “stonewalled” in trying to bring in USC center Evan Mobley and Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs for individual workouts.

Mobley is supposedly the favorite for the Cavaliers at No. 3 overall, while Suggs is expected to fall just one pick after that. Right now, the No. 4 overall pick belongs to the Raptors, but there’s talk that could change.

Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham, of course, is expected to go first to the Pistons.

As for the Rockets, while reports suggest Detroit could pull a surprise and take Green, he reportedly would be just fine with playing for Houston.

Givony added that “most NBA teams expect that to be the case — with some going as far as to describe (Green to the Rockets) as being close to a lock.”

Green has limited his own pre-draft workouts to the Pistons and Rockets, making it seem as if he believes he won’t drop to the Cavs at No. 3.

That said, when it comes to the draft, nothing is a sure thing until the actual pick is made.

“League sources have said Houston is heavily leaning toward Jalen Green there, but there are people within the Rockets’ decision-making process pushing for Jalen Suggs out of Gonzaga,” wrote Zach Harper of The Athletic.

“Green’s potential as a star wing in this league has the Rockets’ focus, but the idea of Suggs grabbing the momentum at some point exists. Scouts and executives love his size at the point guard position and believe he can be the leader of a young, rebuilding team.”

Then again, if Suggs won’t work out for the Rockets … he seems unlikely to be their selection when they have so many other quality options.

Green averaged 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists, while shooting 46 percent from the floor, in 15 G League games.