Free chicken anyone?
Jeff Green’s contribution to the Rockets last season was both an immeasurable one as a veteran leader in the locker room and a measurable one by the fact that he averaged 16.8 minutes per game in 78 games played. Jeff Green proved to be a great combination of an on-and-off-the-court impact player as a mentor to the younger guys, while also at times playing critical minutes. No doubt he was a contributor to the Rockets’ 19-game turnaround. However, it’s my opinion that if Jeff Green is playing significant minutes for the Rockets this season, then something is likely going terribly wrong.
Jeff Green is entering his 17th season as a pro, and barring major injuries to Rockets big men, Green’s role should be limited to veteran leader and perhaps a dark horse for purposely winning free chicken for NBA fans on the road in garbage time in the fourth quarter. That doesn’t mean his role isn’t important. Jeff Green has seen it all in this league. He’s played in 103 playoff games in his career, which is by far the most on the team. Having a veteran on the bench that is an extension of the coach will be very valuable in a season where the Rockets hope to advance from the feel good story of last season to true playoff contenders.
As guys who will primarily ride the bench go, you could do a lot worse than Jeff Green. He showed last season that he’s still got some game, even putting a few bodies on posters with his ability to still relentlessly attack the basket. It’s nice to know that if there are some injuries that take place throughout the season, Jeff Green is still capable of giving you quality minutes in short spurts. That being said, if the Rockets youngsters develop the way we are hoping, then Jeff Green should be in the running for the “Most Valuable Player to Hold The Bench Back After a Sick Dunk” award.