Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka believes he should have two players in heavy consideration. In comments from Friday's team practice, Udoka pointed to fourth-year players Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun as worthy of the Western Conference honor.

He used to play on my AAU team,” Russell Westbrook said jokingly after an exchange with Jalen Green. “Talking to me like I’m a little ass kid.”

Jalen Green's scoring streak is a huge boost, but the Rockets' revival on offense is also thanks to players like Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet.

The Rockets are linked with a new trade target, Amen Thompson faced off against his twin brother and the rest of the league is giving Jalen Green his props.

Referee J.T. Orr, left, assesses technical fouls to Houston Rockets head coach About Ime Udoka, center, and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. Udoka was ejected from the game as that was his second technical foul.

Alperen Sengun on how and why he’s taken an All-Star leap in Houston: “Opportunity, and Ime (Udoka) believing in me. That was the biggest reason.”

Jalen Green is having another one of his smoldering stretches for the Houston Rockets. Over eight games in January, Green is averaging 30.2 points on 52/48/92 shooting splits. That 48% from 3 is coming on more than nine attempts per game.

Green torched Memphis for 42 points on Monday and has reached a new level of production and efficiency in January.

Blazers center Robert Williams III is the center of attention in trade rumors, especially with Ime Udoka and the Rockets interested.

HOUSTON — Before Monday’s matchup began, Cade Cunningham stressed the importance of this game for the Detroit Pistons. He called for a rare, emergency, last-minute team meeting at the free-throw line near Detroit’s bench roughly 10 minutes before tipoff.

Ime Udoka discussed how Alperen Sengun handles the increasing media and fan interest due to his on-court success. “All the losing they did before I got here, and now we are seeing some success.

Shortly after, Westbrook even had Ime Udoka laughing. As captured by television ... Rockets rout Denver, Jalen Green stays hot with 34 points in three quarters