Uncle Jeff was an asset this season for Houston.
When the Houston Rockets signed Jeff Green last offseason, many people liked the signing and figured the 37-year-old utility man to still be a useful player, particularly after winning a ring with the Denver Nuggets. Green seemed poised to bring a veteran presence to an otherwise extraordinarily young Rockets roster.
With Houston improving mightily this year, those who liked the signing were proven right. Not only did Uncle Jeff carry along his veteran acumen, he brought the versatility to continue to play multiple positions, including backup center, and was also somewhat of an iron man. Green played in 78 games this past year, which is highly impressive for a 17-year veteran.
Green averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1 assist per game in 16.8 minutes of playing time per night. Those were the lowest averages of his career across the board, including minutes, but he still shot a respectable 45.6 percent from the field and dropped 33.1 percent of his triples on a little over 2 attempts per game.
His per 36s of 14 points and 5 boards look good for an old man, which is good because Green has another year on his deal. He’s slated to earn $9.6 million next season from the two-year contract he signed with Houston, so the Rockets will definitely have at least one of their veteran locker room guys back in the fold. His expiring deal also makes him possible trade fodder should GM Rafael Stone be looking to wheel and deal.
But should he hang around, he proved last year that he’s still good for the occasional pop, like the 19-point, 6-rebound, 1-block game he recorded in a February loss the Atlanta Hawks and the 21-point, 4-rebound, 2-block performance in a March win over the Utah Jazz.
And given Houston’s expected depth at center next season with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams expected back fully healthy and Jock Landale looking like a real NBA player again, Green would be spending most of his time at forward, his more natural position. Don’t be surpised if he hangs around all year to Unc it up when needed and mentor the maturing kids.