During the offseason, Jeff Green signed a new two-year, $9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets.
After a spectacular 2021-22 season in Denver, the team decided he was well worth the money to help make a deep postseason push. Although father time is keeping a watchful eye, Green continues to make an impact as a player and seasoned vet.
Currently, the Athledex platform projects Green’s Real-Time Contract Value to be $14.91 million, while he’s making $4.5 million this season.
Why is this a good deal for Denver? Green is yet another proven piece that contributes to winning, even without playing a high number of minutes. Every postseason, for example, Green has been good for at least one breakout game.
Positional Versatility
Standing at 6-foot-8 with strength and a solid frame, Green can play on the perimeter or as a big. Furthermore, on the defensive end he’s a smart player and still very capable of contributing.
While he’s been a reserve to this point in the season, Green is also capable of being a starter and playing big minutes. If there’s any major injuries in Denver this season, he will be a candidate to slide into a starting role upon request. Overall, the veteran is well rounded and the value he provides is balanced.
Floor Spacing
Thinking about the playoffs, 3-point shooting can make or break a series. Green is shooting 36.4% this season from deep, which will prove to be a valuable chess piece in the postseason.
Not only is Green effective from beyond the arc, but he shoots them at a relatively high volume. In fact, 25% of his shots are coming from deep so far this season.
Key Experience
Green is closing in on almost 1200 total career games with includes over 1000 regular season contests. He’s also a seasoned playoff performer and even started in all five of Denver’s postseason games in the 2021-22 campaign.
A proven winner, Green has spent the majority of his career on winning teams. Especially late in his career teams have been willing to pay for Green to be a key veteran than can make an impact during a playoff run.
Doesn’t Make Mistakes
Again, Green plays extremely smart and rarely makes mistakes. He’s efficient in his time on the court and ensures he makes a positive impact even in limited action.
This is Green’s fourth-straight season averaging less than a turnover per game, which is important for a team like Denver. Turnovers can be killer, but Green ensures those mistakes are limited and Denver gets as many shots at the basket as possible throughout a game.
2022-23 Salary: $4.5 million | Real-Time Contract Value: $14.91 million