In a shocking development that has rocked the NBA and the Houston Rockets organization, rising star shooting guard Jalen Green has been suspended indefinitely and banned from all team activities following a positive test for a banned substance, team officials confirmed earlier today.
The 22-year-old Green, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Rockets’ rebuilding process, was notified of the positive result after a routine drug screening conducted during the team’s offseason training program. According to internal sources, the banned substance in question falls under the NBA’s Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) category — a serious violation under league rules and one that automatically triggers disciplinary review.
A PROMISING CAREER INTERRUPTED
Jalen Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had shown tremendous potential in his first three seasons. Known for his explosive athleticism, high-flying dunks, and emerging leadership, Green averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season. He had been one of the bright spots in an otherwise struggling Rockets roster.
The news comes just as the Rockets were building a new culture under head coach Ime Udoka, aiming to blend youth with veteran leadership and reestablish themselves as playoff contenders in the Western Conference. Green was seen as the face of that transition — both on and off the court.
But that vision has now taken a major hit.
“This is extremely disappointing,” said Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone in a brief press conference. “We take these matters seriously. While we will support Jalen as he works through this, the organization must prioritize accountability and integrity.”
TEAM AND LEAGUE RESPONSE
While the Rockets have not disclosed the specific banned substance involved, league officials confirmed that the NBA’s anti-drug policy was followed, and the positive test result has been independently verified. Under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a first-time PED violation typically carries a 25-game suspension. However, the Rockets’ decision to ban Green from all team activities suggests they may be considering further disciplinary action beyond the league’s minimum.
“Any player who tests positive for a performance-enhancing substance is subject to both league and team discipline,” said NBA spokesman Mike Bass. “We are in active discussions with the Rockets and the Players Association to determine the next steps.”
The NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) has not yet issued a statement, but sources indicate Green will likely appeal the suspension.
IMPACT ON THE ROCKETS’ FUTURE
Green’s absence creates a major void in the Rockets’ backcourt. The team had been preparing to use Green alongside veteran Fred VanVleet and third-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. to push for a playoff berth. With Green potentially sidelined for a significant portion of the season — or worse — the team may need to revisit trade scenarios or look to the free-agent market to fill the gap.
Beyond the on-court implications, the incident has sent ripples through the team’s locker room.
“Jalen is like a little brother to all of us,” said teammate Alperen Şengün. “We’re shocked. We hope he can come back stronger, but right now, we just need to stay focused and come together.”
Team insiders have suggested that the front office had grown concerned in recent months about Green’s off-court behavior. Multiple reports indicated he had been spending time with a controversial circle of acquaintances during the offseason and had occasionally skipped optional team workouts.
Whether those concerns were directly linked to the failed drug test remains unconfirmed, but they raise further questions about the direction of Green’s young career.
FANS REACT
News of Green’s suspension has triggered a wave of reactions across social media. Some fans have voiced their disappointment but remain hopeful that the young guard can learn from his mistake.
“Man, Jalen Green is such a talent. I hope he gets the help he needs and comes back stronger,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others were more critical, suggesting that a player of Green’s stature should know better.
“You don’t just throw away your career like this. Kids look up to you. No excuses,” another wrote.
The Rockets have encouraged fans to be patient and understanding as more facts emerge. However, the backlash has already begun to affect Green’s public image — and possibly his future endorsement opportunities.
GREEN’S RESPONSE
Jalen Green himself has not publicly addressed the suspension, though sources close to the player indicate he was “blindsided” by the test result. He is reportedly consulting with legal and medical advisors to determine how the banned substance may have entered his system. One possibility being floated is that the substance came from a contaminated supplement — a common defense used in similar cases.
“Jalen is committed to clearing his name,” said a member of his management team. “He maintains that he never knowingly took a banned substance.”
If that defense holds, Green may be able to reduce the length of his suspension or shift public opinion. But history has shown that in such cases, perception often lingers far longer than the punishment.
MOVING FORWARD
For the Houston Rockets, the challenge now lies in managing both the fallout and the team’s expectations heading into the season. For Green, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty.
Whether this marks a temporary stumble or the beginning of a more troubling pattern will depend largely on how he responds in the weeks and months ahead.
What is certain is that a player once touted as a future NBA All-Star now finds himself at a crossroads — and the choices he makes next could define not just his career, but his legacy.