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Washington Wizards Player Preview: Jeff Green

By Ben Vasconcellos

WASHINGTON, D.C. - OCTOBER 5: Jeff Green #32 of the Washington Wizards is introduced during a pre-season game against the Miami Heat on October 5, 2018 at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - OCTOBER 5: Jeff Green #32 of the Washington Wizards is introduced during a pre-season game against the Miami Heat on October 5, 2018 at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jeff Green is expected to be a key bench player for the Washington Wizards upcoming 2018-2019 NBA season.

Washington Wizards added depth to their roster by signing Jeff Green this offseason. For the most part his career has flown under the radar. However, Green has played a significant role for every franchise that he’s been apart of.

Let’s take a quick look at his stats:

Career Stats:  13.2 PTS, 4.6 TRB, 1.6 AST | 47.7 FG%, 31.2 FG3%, 86.8 FT%

2017-18 Stats: 10.8 PTS, 4.6 TRB, 1.8 AST | 43.8 FG%, 33.2 FG3%, 79.9 FT%

Standing 6’9 and weighing 235 pounds, Green was an athletically gifted, generational player. Coaches, teammates, and fans expected Green to be a superstar. He was groomed with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. He averaged 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds during his tenure with the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder.

Unfortunately in December 2011, Green’s life would be changed forever. He had just signed a contract with the Boston Celtics and underwent a routine physical. Doctors red-flagged Green after the physical was performed and proceeded to tell him the bad news.

Green, who was just 25 years old at the time, had a serious heart condition that could kill him if not addressed. Green needing open-heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm that threatened  not only his NBA career, but also his life.

This caused Green to miss the entire 2011-2012 season, but the surgery was a success. Since returning Green has taken more of a bench role with each team he’s signed with, but been productive nonetheless.

Last season, Green averaged 10.8 points with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was one of his lowest scoring averages besides his time with the Orlando Magic. It’s hard to be productive at times while playing with Lebron James, especially when you’re his back-up. Green did end up playing a significant role with the Cavs on the way to the finals, but should have been utilized more.

Overall, the Wizards ranked 17th in bench production. Green is filling a much-needed bench void that the Wizards have been searching for. He brings so much versatility to the roster and can also fill in for some of the starters if need be.

With how deep the Wizards roster is, Green should be getting easy scoring opportunities. He’s able to be plugged into any type of lineup, big or small. He’s a great finisher around the rim, has deep range, and spaces the floor well. Green will create a substantial amount of mismatches throughout the year against opposing team’s bench players.

The second unit now has a go-to experience player that can supply a bucket when necessarily. Not to mention, he’s a pretty good high-flyer.

In the second preseason game against the Miami Heat, Green posted 15 points in 19 minutes of play. This is exactly what should be expected from Green for this coming season. He should be receiving a minimum of 20+ MPG. He also got the start against the New York Knicks last night and finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

https://twitter.com/NBCSWizards/status/1049469330935767041

Green provided a small sample size against Miami and New York of what he’s capable of bringing to the Wizards roster this coming season. So, get used to watching Green look great in the open court and having monstrous finishes like the clip above.

Must Read. Washington Wizards Player Profile: Bradley Beal. light

Last but not least, he’s a veteran. Green’s got a considerable amount of playoff experience that will help the Wizards for the long haul. He will play a vital role in Washington’s bench mob for the entire season.

Projected Stat Line: 15.1 PTS, 5.0 TRB, 2.0 AST | 45.2 FG%, 34.2 FG3%, 85.5FT%

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