Jul 30, 2021
Jalen Green becomes the highest drafted Asian American player in NBA history
On Thursday, the Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick, making him the highest-drafted Asian American player of all time.
On Thursday, the Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick, making him the highest-drafted Asian American player of all time.
Forgoing the traditional college ball route to play for the G League Ignite, Green averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 15 games this past season.
“I love the Phillipines. They show love and support. I’m just happy I get to represent them, I hope they’re excited,” said Green, who becomes just the third player of Filipino heritage in NBA history.
A native of Merced, California, Green was born to an African American father and a part-Filipino mother. In 2019, Green returned to the Phillippines to play in the National Basketball Training Center Finals as a member of FilAm Sports.
Green is expected to be a key player in the Houston Rockets’ post-James Harden era, as the team begins the process of rebuilding its roster.