The Houston Rockets opened their 2025 preseason with a fresh storyline and a new No. 4 leading the charge. In a 122–113 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, 23-year-old guard JD Davison didn’t just fill a jersey number, but a void.
With Jalen Green’s departure earlier this offseason, the Rockets lost not only their former No. 4 but also one of the central figures of their rebuilding era. Green, drafted second overall in 2021, symbolized Houston’s transition after the James Harden years with explosive scoring, fearless drives, and ability to electrify crowds. These skills made him the face of the franchise for four seasons, until his exit from Texas left a question: who would step into that spotlight?
On opening night, Davison’s surprising breakout offered an early and emphatic answer.
JD Davison Has Star Turn In Rockets Preseason Opener
Heading into his fourth NBA season, Davison came off the bench and made the game his own. In just 22 minutes of action, including 11 in the fourth quarter, he scored 17 points without a single free-throw attempt. He shot a blistering 71% from 3-point range (5-for-7), collected three defensive rebounds, handed out four assists, committed only one turnover, and finished with a +13 plus-minus.
Efficiency, confidence, and composure. The kind of stat line that demands attention not just from fans but coaches looking for real production.
With starting point guard Fred VanVleet sidelined, Davison was thrust into a larger ball-handling role, and he responded with control and maturity. His perimeter shooting was effortless, his decision-making crisp, and his tempo in the fourth quarter steady. These are qualities Houston has long searched for in its young guards.
From Alabama to Houston: The Long Route to Relevance
Davison’s career path has been anything but linear. A standout at Alabama, he entered the 2022 NBA Draft after one college season, averaging 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. The Boston Celtics selected him 53rd overall, but he spent most of his early career in the G League, honing his skills rather than seeing NBA minutes.
His patience paid off. In 2024–25, Davison earned G League MVP honors after averaging 25.1 points, 7.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game; numbers that caught Houston’s attention. The Rockets then signed him in July 2025 after Boston waived him, viewing him as a high-upside developmental guard who could stretch the floor and handle pace-heavy systems.
Filling The Jalen Green Void
Davison replacing Green is similar to evolving Houston’s offensive identity.
Green’s style was explosive, centered on isolation and rhythm scoring. Davison, in contrast, plays with pace and flow. He’s not as flashy, but he’s deliberate and disciplined. Where Green thrived in one-on-one creation, Davison creates through movement and reads.
That contrast could be exactly what Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s offensive system needs. Udoka has emphasized discipline and defensive accountability since arriving in Houston. Davison’s low turnover rate and commitment to team structure fit neatly into that vision, making him a name to watch.
What’s Coming Now?
The preseason doesn’t always predict regular-season success, but it does reveal readiness. Davison’s performance shows that Houston’s new guard looked more than ready. His shooting rhythm, defensive focus, and composure in the fourth quarter suggest a player fighting for more than a roster spot, but also for a leading role.
If he sustains this shooting confidence and decision-making, the Rockets may have found a hidden gem to strengthen their young core. For now, it’s just one game, one glimpse, one night. But in that night, Davison wore and revived the No. 4 jersey.
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