After spending two full seasons with the Boston Celtics, small forward Jeff Green was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he will be given the opportunity to contend in the wild Western Conference. In a deal involving four other players, the Grizzlies were able to net a versatile scoring option on the wing, which is something they have lacked since trading Rudy Gay.
Last season, Memphis experimented with players like Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter at the small forward position, but neither player was dynamic or talented enough to become a major contributor. In fact, the Grizzlies decided to part ways with both players in this deal to acquire Green. The Grizzlies are playing excellent basketball led by Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol, who occupy the point guard, power forward, and center slots respectively. Clearly, they needed a playmaker on the wing who could create shots for himself while gaining the defense’s attention. Green seems to be the perfect fit; over his career he has averaged 14 points per game, and this season he is averaging 17 points each contest. He can shoot well from the perimeter and is also one of the better players in the NBA at attacking the glass off the dribble.
Memphis was a contender to begin with, but this trade significantly improves their chances of being successful in the playoffs. They are well-coached, excellent defensively, and now they have an additional offensive weapon. The Grizzlies may have to be considered a serious contender to win the championship as June rolls around. Memphis is extremely well-balanced, with Courtney Lee and Tony Allen sharing time alongside Conley in the backcourt, and Vince Carter coming in for Green off the bench. Up front, Kosta Koufus is definitely a serviceable big men who provides quality interior defense and rebounding, exactly what Coach Dave Joerger asks him to do. Koufus can be relied on by Joerger to keep Memphis in the game when either Randolph or Gasol need a breather. In terms of the adjustment that comes along with being traded from a lottery team to a playoff-bound team, Green may have to change his shot selection since he is going from being a featured scorer to more of a role player, but I don’t think it will become a lingering issue. Jeff Green and the Grizzlies are poised to make some noise in the postseason.
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