The rebuilding Houston Rockets seem to be experimenting with potential veteran role players as the 2021-22 NBA season approaches. Recently, the Rockets (in addition to the Dallas Mavericks) worked out 35-year-old Monta Ellis. Then, on Saturday, The Athletic's Rockets reporter Kelly Iko reported that former Rocket Gerald Green also worked out for Houston with the goal of earning a roster spot.
In addition to Monta Ellis, Gerald Green also worked out for the Houston Rockets this week, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) September 4, 2021
Green, now also age 35, hasn't played for an NBA team since 2019. (He was under contract with the Rockets through the 2019-20 season, but did not play due to a foot injury.) He played his last two seasons with the Rockets, averaging 10.3 points in 21.1 minutes per game and hitting 36% of his threes.
With the Rockets expected to be nowhere near a playoff spot after trading away James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets and entering a full franchise rebuild, there's little downside to taking a flyer on a veteran like Green. Despite his age, he's an athletic wing that can spread the floor. If Head Coach Stephen Silas decides to give the keys to the offense to no. 2 pick Jalen Green right away, he'll need to be surrounded by shooters in order to have room to operate. Green can also be a wise presence in the young locker room.
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