Has Jeff Green Arrived?

[Bahku]

I have been as cautious about giving Jeff Green kudos on the blog as anyone, because I've watched his play in the past very closely.

He's one of those guys who has an immense amount of talent and ability, but who has never matched that with a similar level of hard work, effort, or heart.

He's had flashes of brilliance in the past, but the lack of consistency in his game has been counter-productive to his bid to become a true big-time player in this league.

It was his for the taking, but for whatever reasons, (lack of confidence, injury issues, his role off the bench, chemistry concerns), it has eluded him for the most part.

He has tentatively but continuously been growing by leaps-and-bounds since he came to Boston, however, on the court and off, and his confidence has grown along with his more defined role within the rotations.

This is clearly a beneficial place for him to be, and the combined efforts of Doc and the training staff, along with the mentoring by Paul, KG and Jet, has helped him to emerge as a true force in this league.

Time will tell just how far he'll go, (health and injury issues are always a factor, the team will be undergoing changes in it's lineup, the vets will be retiring, etc.), but I think it's safe to say that he's found a true home in Beantown, and more importantly, found his game.

I've been watching this guy very cautiously ever since he came to Boston, and I've been reluctant to say anything too positive in his direction, for the mere sake of his past inconsistent performances.

But while he arguably has a long way to go to become an elite player in the NBA, I think it's finally safe to say that ...

 ... Jeff Green has arrived.

Our future is looking better all the time, folks, and I don't think there's many worries about going through those "lean years" again anytime soon.

Between Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, and Jeff Green, (oh, and that guy Rondo), the future looks very bright indeed.

[jdz101]

A good read as always. TP.

People always label Jeff as a 'very good third option' or as 'too passive' to be a consistent scorer. I have always disagreed with this. Talent always shines through in this league with time and the right system to show a player's strengths. Jeff has amazing talent and physical tools. I think he could be a really good second scoring option for a deep playoff team.

Considering his health situation the only way to go is up.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I believe he has arrived.

The Miami game is one small yet conclusive proof that Jeff Green can carry some of the offensive load for this team as soon as Paul calls it a career.

With Rondo, AB, Sully and Green, we have a very good core to build around. We'll be playoff contenders with them. It's now just a matter of adding up some pieces and getting them more help in the future.

I feel sad for Jeff Green yesterday that his career night had to be spoiled. It would have been perfect. But after tonight, one thing is for certain, we don't have to worry about finding a replacement for Paul

[Lightskinsmurf]

This isn't the first time green has "arrived". Granted this is his best game hes had other games this year where hes looked unstoppable. Problem is he follows these up with bad ones alot.

[CelticConcourse]

He's always been here. It is only ignorance (okay, and Green's overly subtle game) that give the impression that he's somewhere else. But he's averaging 37ppg when KG sits.

[Tr1boy]

He was spectacular last night. However to be truly arrived or considered a great player in the league, you have to be able to finish. Two missed opportunities late in the game were unfortunate. If he can learn to drive hard and pass and/or drive , stop and pop for a two, he could be unstoppable at that point.

[Shamrocker]

It’s up to Jeff, quite frankly.  His talent is undeniable; but I’ve always felt like he’s missing that special something.  I think he’s far too quick to defer, I think he’s often too passive, and I think he frequently allows one or two bad plays throw him off. 

Last night was special. But we’ve been teased by him before.  He scored 43 points, good for him. What matter now is how he follows it up. Will it be yet another 4-12 clunker? I hope not.  When he’s consistent every night, then we’ll know he’s arrived.

Finally, will Doc give him a real chance?  The guy clearly deserves 35-37 minutes a night, not the 28-30 limited role he’s pigeonholed into now. When Jeff is feeling good, and incorporated in the offense he’s dynamite.  When he’s made an auxiliary part, he’s not.  He’s immensely talented; Doc has to find a way to utilize his skillset every night.

[Celtics17]

He didn't 'just score 43 points". He scored 43 points against the world chamnpions who just so happen to be on the second longest streak in NBA history. Scoring 43 against Cleveland is one thing, against Miami is another.

His game is incositent but it's becoming more consistent as he gets healthier. Once he develps a 'stop and pop' he is going to become special.

[Bahku]

This isn't the first time green has "arrived". Granted this is his best game hes had other games this year where hes looked unstoppable. Problem is he follows these up with bad ones alot.

Yeah, I guess the proof will be in how he follows last night ... if he can be a consistent contributor in a similar fashion, but that also has a lot to do with whether or not Doc increases his minutes.

[LB3533]

This isn't the first time green has "arrived". Granted this is his best game hes had other games this year where hes looked unstoppable. Problem is he follows these up with bad ones alot.

Is it fair to expect him to follow up this great game with another great game if he's off the bench the next game?

Be real.

[LB3533]

This isn't the first time green has "arrived". Granted this is his best game hes had other games this year where hes looked unstoppable. Problem is he follows these up with bad ones alot.

Yeah, I guess the proof will be in how he follows last night ... if he can be a consistent contributor in a similar fashion, but that also has a lot to do with whether or not Doc increases his minutes.

How bout we wait until we give Jeff Green the right conditions for him to consistently play the way he did against Phoenix, and against Miami?

[Spicoli]

I was amazed at how Green was able to drive right every single time. The defenders knew he was going right, we all know he is going right, but nobody could stop him. That to me, is a sign of his elite athleticism. When he learns how to drive left, or drive hard and pull up similar to how Paul does, boy he will be something special.

[Bahku]

This isn't the first time green has "arrived". Granted this is his best game hes had other games this year where hes looked unstoppable. Problem is he follows these up with bad ones alot.

Yeah, I guess the proof will be in how he follows last night ... if he can be a consistent contributor in a similar fashion, but that also has a lot to do with whether or not Doc increases his minutes.

How bout we wait until we give Jeff Green the right conditions for him to consistently play the way he did against Phoenix, and against Miami?

That's exactly what I meant by similar fashion and increased minutes.

[Celtics18]

Jeff Green may have finally arrived last night, but the kid's been on his way for the last two months. 

Over the course of the past 24 games (including last night), he's been averaging 15.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.3 blocks while shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 85% from the line in about 31 minutes per game.

Keep it up, Jeff!!

[Celtics18]

Another thing that I feel isn't being mentioned enough is Jeff's defense on James last night.  Yes, Lebron put up some big overall numbers, but Green stopped him one on one on three consecutive possessions down the stretch before James hit that big contested jumper late in the game.