Green headed for Houston

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American ace Jalen Green is proud and ready to carry the Philippine flag in the NBA after getting selected as the second overall draft pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft yesterday.

The 19-year-old Green is the Rockets’ highest rookie selection since 2002, when it tapped Yao Ming of China as their top overall pick.

He’s also the third player of Filipino descent to be in the NBA after reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson and Raymond Townsend.

“I’m always excited to represent the Philippines so the fact there’s ties in Houston, it’s kind of like it was scripted,” beamed the 6-foot-6 guard, whose mother traces her roots in Ilocos Sur.

Green will join a rebuilding Houston squad that finished last in the Western Conference this season with a 17-55 record following the departure of star James Harden.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the Lakers’ 22nd pick in Thursday’s draft, ESPN reported.

The Detroit Pistons made Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State this year’s No. 1 pick.