Jeff Green, an American professional basketball player, began his NBA journey when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. However, his rights were traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he started his career. Green quickly adapted to the professional level, showcasing his skills as a forward. During his rookie season, he averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
When the Seattle SuperSonics relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, Green continued to develop his game alongside young talents like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Over the next few seasons, he became a reliable scorer and defender for the Thunder, averaging around 15 points and 6 rebounds per game. His versatility allowed him to play both forward positions, making him a valuable asset to the team.
In 2011, Green was traded to the Boston Celtics in a deal that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder. Unfortunately, his time in Boston was interrupted by a serious health issue. In December 2011, Green was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, which required surgery and forced him to miss the entire 2011-2012 NBA season. After a successful recovery, he returned to the Celtics for the 2012-2013 season, where he played an integral role, averaging 12.8 points per game.
Green's career continued with several team changes, reflecting the journeyman nature of his professional life. In 2015, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played for a season and a half before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2016. His stint with the Clippers was short-lived, and he signed with the Orlando Magic for the 2016-2017 season.
The following years saw Green moving between teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz. Despite the frequent changes, he maintained a steady performance, often providing veteran leadership and scoring off the bench. In the 2018-2019 season with the Wizards, he averaged 12.3 points per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute effectively even as he aged.
In 2019, Green joined the Houston Rockets, where he played a crucial role in their playoff run. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and defend multiple positions made him a valuable player in the Rockets' small-ball lineup. After his time in Houston, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets for the 2020-2021 season. With the Nets, Green continued to be a reliable contributor, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
In 2021, Green signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he continued to play a supporting role. His experience and leadership were assets to the Nuggets, particularly in the playoffs. Throughout his career, Green was known for his professionalism and adaptability, traits that allowed him to remain a valuable player across various teams and systems.
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