Apologies if this doesn't deserve it's own thread, but I thought it was worthy of a discussion. What a fantastic scheme by Mike D'Antoni tonight to have Jeff Green bring up the ball. It screws with the matchups and gets Harden some much needed downtime for a few seconds between possessions. It really highlights the wrinkles that a great offensive mind can bring to the table.
Like I said to the GF during the game: "If Jeff Green is bringing the ball up, it's going to be hard for them to double Harden."
@foggy94 has some great write ups discussing this very subject. This expansion of Green's role was clearly coming, but not everyone would allow themselves to believe it.
Saw Green bringing the ball up quite a bit during the 8-game stretch. I was more surprised OKC wasn't ready for it.
He has played solid defense too. It actually crazy he was almost out of the league when we picked him up. He just need to keep focus and keep doing what he's doing. He's actually getting really good shots too, nothing is forced.
I noticed it too and thought it was great. Hes so damn versatile. Im glad we smartened up and signed him before someone else did.
VERY impressive outing by Green..love the wrinkle. We're a lot deeper, and much better than most think.
He knows this is one of his last chances for the larry obrien trophy. He played a great game all around with great energy and confidence like he has been here many times before. Big fan so far.
The most underrated part of Jeff green is that he gives harden a break off the ball. Allowing james more energy to dominate the 4th quarter. I don’t care what anyone says, as much as we all love James, bringing the ball up and then having to initiate againist set defenses for potentially 7 games can drain the heck out of you( unless you are 2009 Lebron). That’s what unlocked the warriors when draymond was made a starter. He saves curry legs for the 4th quarter by keeping him off the ball. Harden hasnt been choking late in the playoffs, he’s been GASSED
Gosh I hope he retains his athleticism through next season, he's getting up there in age. Seems to be a freak of nature though. He's been fools gold everywhere he's went but this system might finally be the one for him.
Older article but still excellent. If I had to demonstrate Jeff Green’s offensive value to the Rockets offense so far in 1 stat, that would be it: In the 137 minutes James Harden and Jeff Green have shared the floor this season, the Houston Rockets have an outrageous offensive rating of 124.3 (and a defensive rating of 102). That is the best offensive rating for any 2-man pairing with at least 130 minutes played this season. According to NBA.COM, Jeff Green has allowed a 0.7 PPP in isolations as a Houston Rocket this season (23 possessions), which ranks in the 84th percentile. The sample is small, but the eye test shows that Green has managed to stay with players on the perimeter as a Rocket, using his size, strength, length, and mobility to make them regret hunting him in the first place.
Cannot get over how surprised national media are about Jeff Green. NBA players have said often that Jeff can play. Only took MDA half a season to unlock him after a 10 year career.
His hang time is amazing for a 34 year old. The way he kinda just glides in the air you'd think he's in his early 20's not mid 30's LOL. Hope we can retain him on a vet minimum contract next season.
