A Storm Is Brewing in Oklahoma City

Almost every NBA city has a player that polarizes fans more than any other. In Toronto, Andrea Bargnani is that player. In Chicago, it used to be Tyrus Thomas. In Oakland, it was Anthony Randolph.

In Oklahoma City, he is Jeff Green.

Green isn't demonized for being lazy. Quite the contrary. He has the basketball IQ, athleticism, skills, character, and work ethic to thrive in the NBA. Georgetown's John Thompson once said, "Jeff Green is the smartest player I've ever coached." But go into any Oklahoma City Thunder forum and you will read thread after thread of fans calling for Green's head. Here is one example:

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I'm here to tell you the truth. Jeff Green is a crappy PF. He just is. Last night was the perfect example of how outclassed he is when facing a strong opponent. He played 37 minutes. For that, he contributed 6 points and 2 rebounds. Two freakin rebounds by our starting PF that played essentially the entire game. Meanwhile, Garnett essentially walked up to Jeff and bent him over. 23 points on 10 of 11 shooting. 8 boards. All in 26 minutes.

The perfect complement to Durant would be a dominant PF that could grab offensive rebounds and give him additional looks at the basket, and clean the defensive glass. With Green and Durant on the floor, the Thunder essentially play two small forwards. If they had a complete stud at center, they might be able to do that. But they don't. 

"

At the risk of giving too much credence to 1 individual, there is some merit to his logic. Last season, in the playoffs the longer, 7-foot Gasol had no trouble getting his shot off against the smaller 6' 9" Green. Gasol also dominated the glass, averaging 13.5 rebounds in the four Laker wins. For the same reasons Team USA elected to cut Green this summer, a contingent of Thunder fans want more size, especially for the NBA playoffs.

The arrival of Serge Ibaka makes Green more expendable. As a rookie last season, Ibaka's ability to come off the bench, alter shots, grab boards, and provide energy was a boon for the Thunder. Statistically, Ibaka's averages of 12.5 pts, 10.8 rebs, and 2.6 blocks per-36 minutes rivaled rookie year production from Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, and Kevin Garnett. Moreover, his 7 block performance in 28 minutes of play in Game 2 against the Lakers left many Thunder fans eagerly awaiting more.

If the Thunder fall to the Lakers again next season, as is widely anticipated, the organization will be at a crossroads. The loss will reinforce the anti-Green feeling in OKC rather than abate it. Countering that will be a pro-Green contingent that has considerable sentimental attachment to seeing the trio of Westbrook, Durant, and Green grow old together in the NBA. A tough decision on whether to re-sign Green and for how much will have to be made. Jeff Green is the proverbial elephant in Oklahoma City's room.

If OKC indeed chooses to pursue a future without Jeff Green, there should be many suitors lining up to bid for the 4th year small forward. Using ESPN's Trade Machine, I came up with just one possible trade (among many) that could be of interest for both sides.

Thunder Receive Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus
Stuck behind Dwight Howard, Gortat would be starting for most teams in the league. His per-36 minute production of 10 pts, 11 rebs, and 2.3 blks per game are impressive. He and Serge Ibaka at the 4 and 5 spots would be a suped-up, more athletic version of Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright from the 90's. Their length and athleticism would likely bother Gasol/Bynum much more than Green/Ibaka or Green/Kristic ever could. And Pietrus would be good as a 6th man to spell Durant whenever he needed a breather.

Orlando Magic Receive Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic
The Magic are currently paying Marcin "The Polish Hammer" Gortat $6 million a year to play 13 minutes a game. Wow. What a horribly expensive insurance policy. Otis Thorpe would be better served to shed Gortat and follow the Miami model of getting veteran backup centers at the league's minimum salary. This would also free up more playing time for Brandon Bass who provided a spark against the Celtics in the playoffs last season.  

Speaking of, the Magic need to make moves. Vince Carter was not the solution. They lost to a Celtics team that only got bigger in the off-season. Standing pat would be the best way to achieve an early playoff exit. Acquiring the do-it-all forward would not guarantee a title, but it would be a step in the right direction. Green would thrive in Orlando playing in his natural position alongside Dwight Howard. 

It's possible that in the long-run, the Thunder are better off by keeping Jeff Green. But IF Green is to be moved eventually, there are significant pros to doing so sooner rather than later. If the Jeff Green at the four experiment fails yet again — it will have been another year wasted, and basketball-wise, key playing time from Serge Ibaka will have been lost. At some point soon, the question of what to do about Jeff Green will come to the fore — it's only a matter of when.