Rockets' Jalen Green Playing All Season With Giant Chip on His Shoulder

Jalen Green feels he should have been the number one pick at the NBA Draft and now he's going to turn the snub into motivation. 

The Houston Rockets rookie came out like a house on fire on Tuesday as his team took on #1 pick Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons, yes, the team who decided to overlook Green's game. The Rockets won 111-91 and Green dropped a game-high 25 points.

My chip is super big. It started at draft night when I got drafted No. 2. I felt I was No. 1. I was still trying to get everyone involved and not make it a one-on-one battle between me and Cade. I could have turned around and did that for myself, but we end up getting the win, so that's all that matters.

Along with his 25 points, Green added five boards and three assists, shooting 10 of 11 from the charity stripe. Look for these two to be matched up again next week in the Summer League playoffs and if you're betting on the rookie of the year next season, you may want to sprinkle on Green. 

Photo credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

"My chip is super big. It started at draft night when I got drafted number 2. I felt I was number 1."

Jalen Green on having a chip on his shoulder pic.twitter.com/nbwaGYpiNh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 11, 2021