Rockets' Green: 'I didn't want to be in Detroit'

Houston Rockets rookie Jalen Green challenged the Detroit Pistons to take him No. 1 overall during his predraft visit with the franchise and believes he was the best player in the draft.

However, it's safe to say he's happy about where he ultimately ended up.

"I wanted to be the No. 1 pick, but as for the location, I didn't want to be in Detroit," Green told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. "I felt a lot more comfortable in Houston. It felt like a real homie environment. With Detroit, it felt like I was just going back to the G League bubble, and I just got out of the bubble. That's pretty much what it was.

"In the (G League) bubble, I didn't really have anything to do but just stay in the gym. I didn't have any time to get away for myself. The only time I had to get away for myself was in my apartment. That's what it felt like in Detroit. I wouldn't be stepping outside in Detroit. There are not many things you can do in Detroit like that. You're going to stay in the gym and then go back to your apartment."

Green's Rockets defeated Cade Cunningham's Pistons 111-91 in their summer league matchup last Tuesday.

Both players led their respective clubs in scoring. Green finished with 25 points, five boards, and three assists while Cunningham added 20 points, four boards, three steals, and two assists.

The first regular-season meeting between the two teams has yet to be determined, but Green is already carrying a chip on his shoulder entering his debut campaign.

"I didn't go No. 1, so I'm going to go get the Rookie of the Year," Green said.