Jeff Green finding it tough at the Boston Celtics – NBA Update
It is a well known fact that low profile players often have trouble settling into a team which is a championship contender, especially if they have been traded for a fan favourite. Such is the case of former Oklahoma City Thunder
and now Boston Celtics power forward, Jeff Green.
Last season, Jeff was traded to the Boston Celtics for Kendrick Perkins, who subsequently joined Green’s former Oklahoma City. Not only was Kendrick a popular figure amongst the fans, he was equally admired in the locker room by
the players.
The move essentially meant that a high profile player in Perkins left the club for a low profile player in Green. The move was confusing for those who did not know Green and was frustrating for those who knew him. Jeff has not
been able to make the cut in the NBA since he started his career four years ago. Moving to Boston was pretty much the last thing he would have hoped for.
Green’s main problem in the NBA had been his inability to rebound, despite being a power forward. Also, he finds it difficult to pass and create assists if he plays as a small forward. His only strength is his shooting and he has
a 34 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the three point arc.
Although, he is an athletic figure, he lacks a bit of game sense when it comes to defensive duties, or maybe his potential is yet to be harnessed. He has clearly been short of confidence and moving to Boston has only amplified
his lack of confidence.
However, apart from the difficulties he has had to face as a player, joining the Celtics proved to be more of a social challenge for Green. He found it extremely hard to fit into a closely knit group which considered each other
as family and had already won a championship together.
Green explained how daunting he used to find the walk to the locker room. “They’ve been together for a number of years,” Green said of the Celtics. “They’ve already won a championship, they’ve already have a system, they already
have their chemistry and that bond on that team. It was tough to go into that situation.”
Jeff also explained how hard it was to grasp all the defensive concepts in only six months. Although he is a professional, the circumstances weighed heavy on him and the constant pressure made learning difficult.
As the trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce near retirement, the window of opportunity might be opening for Green. Maybe once they leave, he will get a chance to become a more complete player.
As of now, however, he has to act out a role he cannot relate to and in the process continue to acclimatize himself with his surroundings, especially his teammates.
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