The Split: Jalen Green And Josh Christopher's Shocking Divergence Since The Rockets' 2021 Draft
The story of Jalen Green and Josh Christopher is one of brotherhood, shared potential, and the harsh, unpredictable nature of the NBA. As of December 2025, the careers of the two best friends, once the dynamic core of the Houston Rockets' highly-touted 2021 NBA Draft class, have taken dramatically contrasting paths, illustrating how quickly a promising partnership can dissolve in the professional sports landscape. Their journey, from dominating the AAU circuit as the 'Vegas Elite' duo to being drafted together in Houston, was supposed to be a long-term rebuild project, but a blockbuster trade and a series of roster moves have now separated them, with one ascending to a contender and the other fighting for his NBA future.
The initial connection, rooted in their high school and grassroots basketball days, fueled a narrative of a young, athletic duo ready to revolutionize the Rockets' backcourt. Green, the flashy No. 2 overall pick, and Christopher, the energetic No. 24 pick, were inseparable. Today, however, Jalen Green is a key guard for the Western Conference contender Phoenix Suns, while Josh Christopher is an Unrestricted Free Agent, a stark reminder that talent alone cannot guarantee an equal career trajectory in the National Basketball Association.
Complete Career Profiles: Jalen Green and Josh Christopher
The foundation of their professional careers was laid during the 2021 NBA Draft, but their paths diverged sharply following the 2024-2025 season. Below is a detailed look at the biographical and professional milestones for both players leading up to December 2025.
Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns Guard)
- Full Name: Jalen Romande Green
- Born: February 9, 2002 (Merced, California)
- High School: San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, CA) / Prolific Prep (Napa, CA)
- Pre-NBA: NBA G League Ignite (2020–2021)
- NBA Draft: 2021, Round 1, Pick 2 (Houston Rockets)
- Houston Rockets Career (2021–2025): Green served as the primary scorer and face of the Rockets’ rebuild for four seasons, developing into a high-volume, explosive shooting guard. His best season with the Rockets was 2024-2025, where he averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 82 games.
- Current Team (Dec 2025): Phoenix Suns
- Key Development: Traded to the Phoenix Suns in July 2025 as the centerpiece of a massive deal that sent two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. The trade also involved Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 Draft, and multiple second-round selections.
Josh Christopher (Unrestricted Free Agent)
- Full Name: Joshua Evan Christopher
- Born: December 8, 2001 (Carson, California)
- High School: Mayfair High School (Lakewood, CA)
- College: Arizona State Sun Devils (2020–2021)
- NBA Draft: 2021, Round 1, Pick 24 (Houston Rockets)
- Houston Rockets Career (2021–2023): Christopher was a high-energy bench player, known for his athleticism and defensive potential, but struggled with outside shooting and consistent offensive role definition. He was often cited as a "vibes pick" due to his close friendship with Jalen Green.
- Post-Rockets Career: Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, where he was subsequently waived.
- Current Status (Dec 2025): Unrestricted Free Agent. He most recently played in the NBA G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat's affiliate, signing a G League contract to keep his professional career going.
The Rockets Duo: From Vegas Elite to the 2021 Draft Class
The intertwined careers of Jalen Green and Josh Christopher began long before the bright lights of the Toyota Center. Their synergy was first showcased on the highly competitive AAU circuit, where they formed a legendary partnership for the Vegas Elite team. This history of playing together at a high level made their reunion in the Houston Rockets organization particularly exciting for fans and analysts alike. The Rockets' 2021 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment, securing Green at No. 2 and then adding Christopher at No. 24, alongside Alperen Şengün and Usman Garuba, signaling a complete youth movement.
The chemistry between the two guards was undeniable, often leading to highlight-reel plays that hinted at their immense potential. Their friendship transcended the court, creating a positive locker room environment and a sense of camaraderie that the rebuilding Rockets desperately needed. Christopher’s selection was seen as a nod to team chemistry, a move to pair Green with a close friend who understood his game and could push him in practice. This bond fostered a supportive atmosphere, but it also placed an immense amount of pressure on both young players to perform as a unit.
A memorable, if slightly awkward, moment that cemented their partnership in NBA lore was during the Slam Dunk Contest. Green enlisted Christopher as his assist man, and Green later spoke openly about the "botched lob" attempt that failed to connect, a light-hearted anecdote that highlighted their close, yet sometimes imperfect, on-court connection. Despite the shared history and mutual support, the NBA is a league of production, and different skill sets ultimately lead to different opportunities.
The Blockbuster Trade and Divergent Trajectories
The true turning point in the Jalen Green and Josh Christopher saga occurred in the summer of 2025, a period of massive upheaval for the Houston Rockets. The Rockets, having completed their youth-centric rebuild, made a major pivot, trading for superstar Kevin Durant. This move necessitated sacrificing core assets, and Jalen Green was the main piece sent to the Phoenix Suns. Green’s move to Phoenix immediately elevated his status from a high-volume scorer on a rebuilding team to a crucial third star alongside Devin Booker and an established core, with his playmaking and athleticism now complementing two of the league's elite.
Meanwhile, Josh Christopher's career faced a different kind of challenge. After being traded from Houston to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, he struggled to secure a consistent rotation spot. The Grizzlies waived him, and while he attempted to stay on the NBA track, his journey led him to the G League. Playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Christopher is now in the difficult position of an Unrestricted Free Agent, fighting to prove he deserves a spot on an NBA roster. His current situation is a stark contrast to Green's, who is now competing for a championship with the Suns.
The separation highlights the brutal reality of the NBA: team needs and individual performance often outweigh personal relationships. While Christopher possessed elite athleticism and a strong defensive motor, his inconsistent shooting percentages and high-usage, isolation-heavy style of play did not align with the Rockets' evolving vision, leading to his initial departure. Green, despite his own efficiency questions early in his career, demonstrated the star power and high-end scoring ability that made him an invaluable trade asset for a perennial contender like the Suns.
What the Future Holds for the Former Rockets Teammates
The current landscape in December 2025 paints a clear picture of two careers at wildly different stages. Jalen Green is now a key component of the Phoenix Suns' championship aspirations. His role has shifted from being the primary ball-dominant player to an elite secondary scorer and transition threat, which has arguably led to more efficient and impactful play. His development in Phoenix will be closely watched, particularly as he adapts to a winning culture and the pressure of the postseason.
For Josh Christopher, the path is much steeper but not insurmountable. His decision to sign a G League deal with the Skyforce demonstrates a commitment to remaining in the professional system and working on the weaknesses that kept him off an NBA roster, primarily his perimeter shooting and decision-making. Players often use the G League as a springboard, and a strong showing could lead to a 10-day contract or a minimum deal with a team looking for an athletic, defensive-minded guard. Christopher's journey is now a testament to resilience, as he battles to turn his Unrestricted Free Agent status into a permanent NBA role.
The enduring friendship between Green and Christopher remains a compelling subplot, a connection forged in the AAU trenches and briefly united in the NBA. While they no longer share the same locker room, their intertwined narratives—the explosive rise of the No. 2 pick and the determined fight of the late first-rounder—will forever be linked by the 2021 Houston Rockets Draft, a moment that promised a shared dynasty but ultimately delivered two completely different destinies.
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