Before being selected by the Houston Rockets as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft,
Green was already drawing attention to himself as a star player at San Joaquin Memorial High
School in Fresno, California.
In his freshman year, he led his team to the CIF Division II runner-up finish and to the CIF
Division II quarterfinals. He was awarded the MaxPreps Freshman All-American Second Team
and CIF Central Rookie of the Year. He also earned himself MaxPreps National Sophomore of
the Year when he led San Joaquin to the Central Section Division II title and the CIF Open
Division playoffs.
As a shooting guard, Green made his NBA debut in October 2021 playing against the Minnesota
Timberwolves putting up nine points but coming back with a game against the Boston Celtics
earning an impressive 30 points and eight threes; a first from a rookie in franchise history.
Known for his elite athleticism, Green plays his role well and is known for his shooting and
scoring abilities with a variety of moves at the rim, blowing past defenders with his speed. He’s
an active and engaged defender with his quick reflexes and attention to detail.
Watch for Green to continue to impress as he matures in the NBA. For those looking to invest in a potential future star, here are our top 3 favorite basketball rookie cards. (This post will be updated as new sets become available).
1. 2021-22 Panini Chronicles Select Draft Picks
One of the first releases from Panini America is the Chronicles Draft Picks featuring Jalen Green during his college years.
It’s on chromium stock plus it’s available in a number of parallels. And unlike the soon to be released Select sets featuring the rookie class in their NBA uniforms, this Select Draft Picks set remains relatively affordable.
2. 2020 Upper Deck Employee Exclusive Future Watch Autograph Card
Not a popular set for basketball card collectors, but it’s a nice clean one for Jalen Green card collectors with an on-card autograph.
Most start at $1,000 currently but if he has a great rookie season, this can be a deal.
3. 2021 NBA Chronicles Draft Picks First Impressions Autograph Card
For those who don’t mind sticker autos but a little more pop of color on their cards, the First Impressions insert from NBA Chronicles Draft Picks is for you.
Plus they are numbered making the cards limited.
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