Boston Celtics: 5 Reasons They Need to Re-Sign Jeff Green This Summer
The Boston Celtics (51-22) currently hold the second seed in the East, trailing Derrick Rose and the streaking Chicago Bulls by two games in the conference standings.
Since dealing starting center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green, the Celtics have struggled. They are 10-7 since making the move and have managed to go just 4-4 in their last eight road games.
As of late, the Celtics' performance has been as poor as it's been the trade, losing three of their last four games. With just eight games left on the Bulls' schedule and three against teams .500 or better, including a home game against the C's, the Bulls will likely hold the conference lead.
The trade was done in hopes to receive value for Perkins, who was unlikely to re-sign with the Celtics in the upcoming offseason, having already rejecting contract extensions made earlier in the season.
Despite the Celtics' mediocrity and sub-par play since the trade, the transaction may actually prove to be beneficial. Green has found his fit in the rotation and is beginning to produce going into the postseason.
Green has begun to produce for the Celtics and could in turn prove to be important in their hope at another run at an NBA championship. This season, Green enters the final season in his contract.
Join B/R and myself in going through the five reasons why it is in the Celtics' best interest to re-sign the former Thunder forward.
No. 5: Production as of Late
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"I haven't figured out how to use Jeff yet. I don't know yet. We gotta figure that out quickly because he's good."
After admitting earlier this month he was unable to find the right role out for Jeff Green, head coach Doc Rivers has finally found the fitting role for him.
This month, Green has averaged 11.1 points on 53.3 percent shooting and 42.1 percent from distance in just over 23 minutes a contest.
Production-wise, in limited minutes, the numbers show that Green has undoubtedly gotten the job done.
No. 4: James Posey-Esque
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Since joining the Boston Celtics, Green has been able to contribute on both ends of the floor for the team, much like James Posey did for the team in the 2007-2008 season.
The 2007-2008 Celtics team featured depth and size, as well as role players that could perform on both ends of the floor. In their run to the title that season, James Posey was key, hitting open looks and making plays on the defensive end to make life difficult for opposing scoring threats.
Along with the helping hand of potential future Hall of Famer Paul Piece, the two have already made life tough for opposing small forwards. In their last three contests, they have held opposing small forwards to just 9-of-30 shooting from the field, a shade over 30 percent.
His athleticism, ability to alter shots and knack of staying in front of opponents has benefited the C's and will be needed in the postseason if the Celtics look to make a run at a title.
Scoring-wise Green has also helped contribute, scoring just over 11 a game this month while shooting over 50 percent from the field.
No. 3: "The Truth" Is, There Is Rest for Paul Pierce
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Despite playing less minutes and producing less in the box score, Paul Pierce is all smiles at having Green to back him up. He will more than likely be the first to say the rest is much needed.
With an injury to his knee two seasons ago and ankle issues earlier this season, Pierce knows rest may help avoid injury problems in the postseason.
Yet with each of the Celtics' last six games being decided by 10 or less points and playoff seeding coming into play, Pierce has managed to play around 30 minutes a contest as of late. Rivers and company hope to hold leads better, as recent losses to the Bobcats and Pacers have left Rivers no choice but to leave Pierce and the starting five in down the stretch.
With the playoffs soon approaching, look for Rivers to cut the Big Three's minutes, as Green will likely get anywhere from 25-30 minutes a contest.
Next season, as Pierce will be yet another year older, having Green to play more minutes from the beginning could help Pierce maintain his health. Green's minutes will also likely increase, as he will be given more opportunities to produce.
No. 2: A Postseason Push Next Season
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This season has been a busy one for Rivers, as the Celtics have dealt with a plethora of injury issues, frequent lineup changes and currently, late-season slumps.
Despite their ups and downs this season, the C's currently hold the second seed in the East en route to their fourth-straight 50-win season. With the Big Three's time in the league winding down, this may be one of the last chances for Rivers and company to compete for a title.
The Celtics have had injuries hold them back much of this season, as losing Marquis Daniels to a season-ending spinal cord injury took a shot at their depth in the small forward slot. With Paul Pierce as the only healthy, productive small forward for the C's, the move to get Green was a necessity in Ainge's eyes.
Whether this season or in seasons to come, Green could prove vital in the Celtics' quest for an 18th NBA championship, giving them more depth at the small forward position and giving Pierce more rest.
Much like James Posey and Tony Allen once were for the Celtics, Green will likely be responsible for playing defense against teams' opposing scorers. With his athletic ability and tough on-ball defense, Green could be key in making a push this postseason and in future playoff runs to come.
With an aging Big Three, his youth could prove to make an impact.
No. 1: A Piece for the Future
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It's a tough fact to face for the Celtics nation, but soon enough, the Big Three will no longer be playing together in Beantown.
With Pierce turning 34 this year, Kevin Garnett soon to be 35 and Ray Allen turning 36 this summer, the Celtics will soon close the chapter of the Big Three and start fresh.
Make no mistake, Celtics president of basketball pperations and GM Ainge has kept this in mind.
Starting point guard Rajon Rondo and forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis are two players who could potentially make up the core. Jeff Green is likely to be another component added to the mix.
Just 24 years of age, Green provides youth and athleticism. He also has the unique quality of having had experience as a starter in the league as such a young NBA player.
With the Thunder, Green averaged 37 minutes a game, posting 15.2 points and over five rebounds a contest. His 37 minutes were second to only Kevin Durant and two minutes more than All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook.
With a veteran ball club like the Celtics, signing young talents like Green will be key in the rebuilding process in preparation for the end to the Big Three era.
