"Facts" - Jalen Green believes James Harden's arrival in Houston might stunt his growth

Jalen Green in a podcast and James Harden
Jalen Green in a podcast and James Harden

There have been many rumors recently suggesting that James Harden will join the Houston Rockets.

Jalen Green, a rising star with the Rockets, recently appeared as a guest on Paul George's well-liked "Podcast P." Green had a spirited conversation on the podcast's 12th episode, touching upon various intriguing topics, including James Harden.

Before Green could share his thoughts on the matter, George voiced his skepticism about bringing back the future Hall-of-Famer to Houston. George expressed his worries about how it might potentially impact the ongoing progress of The Rockets' fledgling group, of which Green is a part.

Green, who is set to enter his third NBA season with the Rockets, offered insights into his perspective. He acknowledged that adding a ball-dominant player like James Harden could potentially impede the team's growth.

Here's how the conversation developed:

George: "There's obviously been some links of James (Harden) wanting to come back to the team. Like I feel like at this point you're the king of Houston. Like you got to go through this. You got to go through being double team, being triple team, you know, being the target.
"Every time you got to go through that and you bring on someone like James who's such a a ball dominant player, like that's going to hinder your growth a little bit, you know what I mean?"

To which Jalen Green said:

“Facts.”
George: "Regardless of how it can elevate you on another level of him teaching you and you learning off of him, I feel like for you, you've already been through the fire."

Green replied:

"I agree. I can play both ways. Like you just said, it could help in. At the same time, I really talked to him too much about the rumors and stuff like that. I'm with you on that."

Jalen Green has emerged as one of their most valuable assets offensively and if Harden joins the Rockets, that can only be a massive boost for the team.

The idea of a reunion between James Harden and the Houston Rockets continues to generate headlines.

ESPN initially reported Harden's interest in returning to Houston back in December, and the rumors have persisted since. According to the most recent rumor, league executives think Harden would choose to break his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and join the Rockets (according to the Philadelphia Inquirer).

Harden intends to reject his $35.6 million option and go unsigned in July in order to secure a four-year deal. He is looking to find a team that will let him play his own brand of basketball.

James Harden OUT, Kyrie Irving IN?

James Harden blocking Kyrie Irving while making a shot Joel Embiid in the frame
James Harden blocking Kyrie Irving while making a shot Joel Embiid in the frame

On an episode of ESPN's "First Take," Kendrick Perkins suggested that the Sixers should explore the idea of acquiring Kyrie Irving to complement Joel Embiid.

Perkins acknowledged the financial constraints the Sixers face but emphasized the brilliance of Daryl Morey (GM) in maneuvering roster moves. He believed that Morey could work out a way to bring Irving to Philadelphia if Embiid expressed a desire for such a partnership.

The notion of Irving teaming up with Joel Embiid certainly is intriguing, but whether it becomes a reality remains to be seen. As the offseason and its potential roster shake-ups approach, discussions surrounding these star players will captivate basketball fans worldwide.

Also Read: 76ers guard James Harden was willing to 'sacrifice' money and role with the team

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Edited by John Maxwell