[MacMahon] Jalen Green, the young Houston Rockets and classes at 'John Lucas University'

J.R. · Nov 10, 2021

Welcome to today's class at "John Lucas University," as general manager Rafael Stone refers to the Rockets' developmental program for the several college-aged players on their roster. The drills vary by the day, but Lucas is always ratcheting up the intensity, putting the players in competitive situations, including full-court one-on-one contests.

Lucas' hard-nosed tactics and colorful commentary -- pushing, prodding, occasionally praising and sometimes cracking up the players -- are a constant. For the 1-9 Rockets, who host No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons tonight (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN), the lessons are not only invaluable, they're necessary.

"I'm being told all the time, 'Coach, you can't be too hard on [Green],'" Lucas says later. "I'm talking about, 'I'm not hard enough,' because I see the potential. Everybody has a different way of loving somebody.

"My love for him is not praising his ass, but to keep a foot in it."

"He's an old-school coach," Green says. "A lot of s--- talking. He's real old-school, like a real OG."
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"He makes hard work fun," Stone says.

Lucas was a finalist in the Rockets' search to replace D'Antoni before last season, in part because he had such strong relationships with the players, including James Harden. After Houston opted to hire Stephen Silas, a first-time head coach who toiled for more than two decades as an assistant, the Rockets prioritized keeping Lucas, promoting him to lead assistant.

Lucas helps run Houston's defense, while Silas leans on his head-coaching experience with rebuilding teams in Philadelphia and Cleveland. And Lucas still runs the Rockets' developmental program, the top priority for a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild.

"He is a tireless worker," Silas says. "I mean, he is up at 8 o'clock in the morning working out a guy, then working out guys before practice, working out guys after practice and then again at night. He is dedicated, committed, and he just has that personality that everybody rallies around.

"Like nobody I've ever seen before, he can make guys do things they might not want to do and make it fun or make it important to them."
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PORTER RODE THE second bus to shootaround on the morning of Houston's 123-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns, which followed the Rockets' first full day off in about a month. Lucas requires Green to participate in the early sessions on game days. They are optional for Porter, whose attendance has been sporadic.

"It's his third year, and I've got to respect that," Lucas says. "I'm waiting for him to come willingly."

It is technically Porter's third NBA season, but nothing has been conventional about the first few years of his career.

[…]

The Rockets pounced on the opportunity to provide Porter a change of scenery and second chance, sending a heavily protected second-round pick to Cleveland in a trade.

"We knew he had challenges," Stone says. "That's why we were able to get him. We've never asked him to be something he's not, and we've never asked him to be perfect. What we have asked him to do is work ...

"What we've gotten from him is [to] buy in, at least thus far, that we're all on the same page and that we want the same things."

The Rockets were willing to take a risk on Porter because the 6-foot-4, 205-pound lefty reminded them of a young James Harden. And, the front office and coaching staff were confident they could provide the structure and support "Scoot" needed to realize his potential. The latter is in large part due to Lucas' guidance.

"He's been someone Scoot can rely on and will be there day-to-day and has seen everything," Stone says. "Whatever he's going through, it's not going to be more dramatic than what John lived. So I think [having Lucas] is a huge advantage for us organizationally, and we've leaned into that.

"It doesn't mean you can compile a list of 15 reclamation projects, but it does mean with special people who you think have a chance, maybe you can give them the best chance."

Porter was good enough, averaging 16.6 points and 6.3 assists per game, to convince the Rockets that handing him the reins of the offense was in the franchise's best interest. It hasn't been a smooth transition without having Wall to share playmaking duties, as Porter's numbers have dipped significantly (12.3 points, 5.2 assists and 36.7% shooting). However, the Rockets are encouraged by Porter's drastic defensive improvement, as Stone proudly noted that Porter now ranks 35th in one metric -- FiveThirtyEight's RAPTOR on/off rating -- that ranked him 469th out of 474 players last season.
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Lucas compares his approach to Porter's development to "kid gloves," saying he gauges Porter's mood before determining how hard to push him that day. Lucas worries that Porter will tune him out if he demands too much.

"The biggest thing is getting to learn and know him without smothering him," says Lucas, whose one firm rule for Porter is, "Don't ever let me catch you lying to me."

Lucas and Porter occasionally butt heads. They exchanged high-decibel expletives at each other across the gym during one practice, although Lucas softened his reply by punctuating it with, "But I love you."

"He just always is on me," Porter says. "I know that I'm in his spotlight. He really emphasizes improving myself.

"He's definitely one of the most unique human beings on this planet. I'm grateful to know him. One word: unpredictable. ...You don't know what type of things he's going to say, do, nothing.

"All you know is he's going to be a great, genuine dude when you walk in the building, and he's going to uplift a room."
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MOST PLAYERS STICK to a pregame warm-up routine, taking the same shots from the same spots night after night. That's not how Lucas works with Green, making that time an on-court extension of the scouting report, having him work on the looks he's most likely to get against that specific opponent.

The payoff comes in incremental progress, moments that serve as proof Green and the other young Rockets are learning, such as his driving dunk in Houston's down-to-the-wire loss to the Lakers on Nov. 2.

The play went viral on social media, but it made Silas and Lucas proud because of something simple: the way Green slid toward the corner when Porter drove baseline, giving his teammate a target and setting himself up to attack a defender off the closeout. Green didn't move from the wing on a similar play in the season opener, resulting in Porter's pass sailing into the seats.

"Our measure of success is improvement," Silas says.

The Rockets decided that throwing their core young players in the deep end made the most sense at this stage of their rebuild, no matter how far they sink in the standings after finishing last season with the NBA's worst record (17-55).

"It's going to be a tough year for us as we get better," Lucas says.

"We're all on the same page with wanting to win and wanting to be great," Green says. "We know that's going to take time, and we're all bought in right now."

Houston is particularly steadfast in its plan to allow Green and Porter to spread their wings without fear of consequences if they make poor decisions. Rookie forward/center Alperen Sengun, the No. 16 overall pick with a high-lottery grade from the Rockets after earning the Turkish League MVP at 18 years old last season, also has similar freedom in his role as a key reserve. (Guard Josh Christopher and forward Usman Garuba, the Rockets' other teenage first-round picks, who are potential impact defenders that the team is trying to develop into quality role players, will likely get significant playing time this season in the G League, if not the NBA.)

There is a consensus among Rockets' leadership that it's the right approach, even though it's rough on a head coach who worked half of his life for this opportunity.

"Oh, it's hard. It's hard at times, but you know that that's the growth that needs to happen," Silas says. "You start in the dirt to get where you need to be. I was lucky to be around Luka [Doncic] and Steph [Curry] and LeBron [James] when they were rookies. Guys who are that creative, you can't stifle that creative ability.

"There are going to be some crazy turnovers and some plays you wish they wouldn't make, but that's part of the growth."

Silas stresses the importance of not sweating the game-to-game fluctuations of the young players' development. He prefers to track improvement in samples of weeks and months.

That sort of patience is required from a head coach on a young team prioritizing development over results. Silas, described by Green as "laid-back" but equipped with a "switch that can flip to getting on you," has a temperament suited for the assignment.

"Coach Silas has a good demeanor -- very steady, even keel," Lucas says, cracking a wry smile. "And I'm the one that's an a--hole."

For Lucas, it isn't a glamorous job, and the rewards are often small; Houston is one of three NBA teams, along with the Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans, with only one win so far this season.

Asked if his work is fun, Lucas paused and thought for 15 seconds.

"It's my love. It's my love," Lucas says. "I've struggled with accepting my love. It's a funny thing. Nobody likes the gift you get at Christmas unless it's the gift you wanted, but you learn to appreciate the gift in time. I got the right gift."
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cheke64 · Nov 10, 2021

Fluff piece is very fluffy.

I don't care how laid-back Silas is, I don't care if Lucas got the right christmas gift, I better start seeing progress cause I'm dissapointed

cmoak1982 · Nov 10, 2021

Maybe I’m just reading parts but it seems like their focus is on the guards, who works the big guys out?

Plowman · Nov 10, 2021

There's a lot to be taken out of there. I like it.

fchowd0311 · Nov 10, 2021

cheke64 said: ↑

Fluff piece is very fluffy.

I don't care how laid-back Silas is, I don't care if Lucas got the right christmas gift, I better start seeing progress cause I'm dissapointed
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Chill. It's not even 1/8th of their rookie seasons yet.

TimDuncanDonaut · Nov 10, 2021

The Lucas description on being a straight shooter seems to align to what Rocket beat writers seen.

He'll cuss the young guys out if he's has to; knows which buttons to push.

dmoneybangbang · Nov 10, 2021

cmoak1982 said: ↑

Maybe I’m just reading parts but it seems like their focus is on the guards, who works the big guys out?
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Sengun is both teacher and student.

VooDooPope · Nov 10, 2021

cheke64 said: ↑

I better start seeing progress cause I'm dissapointed
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This team went from being blown out by 10-30 points a game to coming up a point or two short against the lakers, suns and nuggets. That's improvement for team that is this inexperienced. They have to learn how to win those tight games and that comes with experience. You might want to manage your expectations. Its going to be a long season (or couple seasons). Try to enjoy the ride.

I'm glad Lucas is helping these guys along. They need all the help they can and maybe he can help them make good life choices too since he's been down the rough road himself.

daywalker02 · Nov 10, 2021

VooDooPope said: ↑

This team went from being blown out by 10-30 points a game to coming up a point or two short against the lakers, suns and nuggets. That's improvement for team that is this inexperienced. They have to learn how to win those tight games and that comes with experience. You might want to manage your expectations. Its going to be a long season (or couple seasons). Try to enjoy the ride.

I'm glad Lucas is helping these guys along. They need all the help they can and maybe he can help them make good life choices too since he's been down the rough road himself.
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I am also glad that we got Lucas but I see him more of a life coach.

The problem with this group, there is no legit Allstar on it, that at least can win you a couple of those tight games.

Not even a legit 20 ppg scorer right now.

Sometimes it depends on a couple buzzer beaters, some stops and rebounds (rebounding against Boozer and Okur).

VooDooPope · Nov 10, 2021

daywalker02 said: ↑

The problem with this group, there is no legit Allstar on it, that at least can win you a couple of those tight games.

Not even a legit 20 ppg scorer right now..
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Agreed. Lets hope some good coaching develops a couple of these guys into those All-star 20+ ppg scorers we need.

I think we (rockets fans) were spoiled by how easy James Harden made 30ppg look and a lot of people expecting J Green to come in scoring 20 when he didn't even do that in the minor league last year.

daywalker02 · Nov 10, 2021

VooDooPope said: ↑

Agreed. Lets hope some good coaching develops a couple of these guys into those All-star 20+ ppg scorers we need.

I think we (rockets fans) were spoiled by how easy James Harden made 30ppg look and a lot of people expecting J Green to come in scoring 20 when he didn't even do that in the minor league last year.
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I forgot Wood but we need another game changer.

Williamson · Nov 10, 2021

Great article.

I told some guy he was dumb the other day because he was saying KPJ needs a disciplinarian like SVG or I forget who else to keep a foot in his ass. Then this article comes out a few days later where Lucas is like, "I keep my foot in their ass."

I knew tough love was very much part of the Lucas program, but I hope those who want a disciplinarian for these kids are satisfied to see they have one now.

Nook · Nov 10, 2021

If it isn't Tilly's buddy McMahon ******** out another fluff piece for his good friend.

So basically..... Porter is moody, unpredictable, lacks discipline and doesn't work hard.

Silas is too laid back and Lucas is the one that actually gets on the players......... and Lucas does not find the situation ideal.....

Green is basically learning the game of basketball.

cheke64 · Nov 10, 2021

VooDooPope said: ↑

This team went from being blown out by 10-30 points a game to coming up a point or two short against the lakers, suns and nuggets. That's improvement for team that is this inexperienced. They have to learn how to win those tight games and that comes with experience. You might want to manage your expectations. Its going to be a long season (or couple seasons). Try to enjoy the ride.

I'm glad Lucas is helping these guys along. They need all the help they can and maybe he can help them make good life choices too since he's been down the rough road himself.
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I see that progress and I'm happy with it. You don't see me advocating for firing SIlas yet but there is alot easy stuff that can be fixed, like his sub pattern. Im not asking for a championship today or being playoff contenders. You see what we all see right? A rec league offense

dmoneybangbang · Nov 10, 2021

Nook said: ↑

If it isn't Tilly's buddy McMahon ******** out another fluff piece for his good friend.

So basically..... Porter is moody, unpredictable, lacks discipline and doesn't work hard.

Silas is too laid back and Lucas is the one that actually gets on the players......... and Lucas does not find the situation ideal.....

Green is basically learning the game of basketball.
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Ive been in the Silas TBD camp…. And I think we have looked better as time goes on…. BUT I think these guys need some structure and identity building.

CCM721 · Nov 10, 2021

Nook said: ↑

If it isn't Tilly's buddy McMahon ******** out another fluff piece for his good friend.

So basically..... Porter is moody, unpredictable, lacks discipline and doesn't work hard.

Silas is too laid back and Lucas is the one that actually gets on the players......... and Lucas does not find the situation ideal.....

Green is basically learning the game of basketball.
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How unprecedented for a young shooting guard to work on his playmaking. So basically... you interpreted this article in the most cynical way possible.

Nook · Nov 10, 2021

dmoneybangbang said: ↑

Ive been in the Silas TBD camp…. And I think we have looked better as time goes on…. BUT I think these guys need some structure and identity building.
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Silas deserves to remain the coach at this point, but no I am not impressed with what I have seen so far.

Nook · Nov 10, 2021

CCM721 said: ↑

How unprecedented for a shooting guard to work on his playmaking. So basically... you interpreted this article in the most cynical way possible.
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It was tongue in cheek as the writer interpreted it in the most flattering and positive way possible.

CCM721 · Nov 10, 2021

Nook said: ↑

It was tongue in cheek as the writer interpreted it in the most flattering and positive way possible.
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I mean you have no way of knowing that unless you are actually at Rockets practices or are involved in the situation in anyway, but in reality you are a poster on a forum with no personal connection to them so you are speculating.

ROXTXIA · Nov 10, 2021

Lucas: (Jekyl) "Good job, good job......." (Hyde) "No, god**mnit, no, what the f*** is that pass, you simple child!" (Jekyl) "Hey, I love you, come here, don't be like that, hush li'l baby don't you cry...."

Silas: (wakes up) "What happened? What's going on?"

Hornacek: "Jalen made a dumb pass."

Silas: (yawns) "I'm incensed." (scratches nuts) "I'm outraged."

Lucas: "Go back to sleep, 'Coach'."

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[MacMahon] Jalen Green, the young Houston Rockets and classes at 'John Lucas University'

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[MacMahon] Jalen Green, the young Houston Rockets and classes at 'John Lucas University'

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