Nothing has changed my opinion of Jeff Green. He's a starting SF in this league. He's very good. He's the 4th best player on this team behind KG, Pierce and Rondo. In Oklahoma he was forced to play out of position, because of Durant. In Boston, he's forced to come off the bench, because of Pierce. It's not an idea situation at all. The sooner we make a trade the better. I'm still in favor of starting Pierce at SG, starting Jeff at his natural position and making a big push (using some of our mediocre SG/PF assets) to land another starting big (gortat, Pau, Big Al, Josh Smith... whoever)
Unfortunately, because Jeff's role isn't very well defined and he's not getting the consistent minutes he deserves... people have the wrong impression of what he's capable of. When a guy gets 16 spot minutes off the bench... what exactly do you expect him to do? Most players under significant pressure to perform would struggle adjusting to a new team when they are getting 16 sporadic minutes off the bench.
What we've always known about Jeff is that he's more than capable of scoring 15-17 points a night and pulling down 6-7 boards a night. He did that while he was the 3rd option next to two MAJOR scorers. His percentages were 45% FG, 35% from three and 77% from the line. In rare games where Durant sat, Jeff consistently stepped up and scored 20-25.
What about this season has changed my impression of him? Nothing. Take a look at his stats this season:
22 minutes, 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds 44% FG, 36% from three and 78% from the line. Project those minutes to the 37 he SHOULD be playing as a starter... and you got a guy who is averaging 16 points and 5 boards... In other words, he's the same consistent player he's always been... just getting less minutes and a smaller role.
For people who are down on Jeff... what exactly are you expecting? Do you somehow think he should be doing more than he did in Oklahoma in spite of playing 15 less minutes a night and having less of a role? Cut him some slack... he's been solid.
We're paying Jeff like a starter. He's more than capable of being a starter. He'll eventually be a starter. I'm not reading too much into anyone's performances until after the trade deadline when our roster shakes out.