Is Jeff Green playing better because it's a contract year?

[obnoxiousmime]

I haven't seen more than 4-5 games this year but it is clear from the stats Green is playing a lot better. Almost all his numbers are similar or up from last year, except for a slight dip in 3pt pct.

Surely there's some benefit to playing with a healthy Rondo, but if he keeps this up why couldn't he have done something like this the previous 2 years? He was 26 and 27 and those also should have been peak years.

I have to wonder if he's just extra motivated because it's a contract year. Averaging 20 ppg would definitely give him a nice payday, more than the 10 million he'd make if he picked up the option. I don't think Green is a bad guy but there's a reason he earned the reputation of being a lackadaisical player with an inconsistent motor.

What do you guys think? Does Green seem more motivated this season? If so, why?

[greece66]

Maybe you are right, but I think it also has to do with the fact that last year he was our sole offensive weapon. They expected too much from him and the  whole thing boomeranged. My take is that last year underwhelming performance was the result of a very bad offense demanding too much of him and then a downward spiral psychological effect.
This year he looks much more fit to the role he is assigned.

[mr. dee]

1. He's frustrated with losing
2. He's in contract year.
3. He's playing with Rondo
4. He's 2 years removed from heart surgery.
5. He's more comfortable with Brad's system.

[Tr1boy]

Yes. The bum

But from this experience hopefully he remains hungry.

It helps he has bulked up also

[Rosco917]

One of two things.

He finally may be recovered from his heart surgery. I can understand where it would take many months to get to a full 100%. His energy level is so much higher this year.

Or yes, he's playing for a contract. 

[kozlodoev]

I feel Green very visibly mailed it in last year, when it was clear the team wasn't playing to win. He was playing with a lot more urgency in the last year of the big 3.

It kind of shows in his block + steal totals...

[obnoxiousmime]

I never considered the heart surgery recovery angle because you'd think after one season he'd already be fully recovered. The question now is does Ainge have to deal him if it becomes clear he will likely receive offers in the 12-15 million range from a better team or even a contender. If I were him I'd wait until 2016 to cash in but it's also possible he could opt out and sign a one-year deal.

It would just be really frustrating if we ended up getting 1 year where he was totally out, 2.5 years of disappointing play, and just 1 good year out of this guy before he leaves for greener (not Celtics green) pastures.

[slamtheking]

1. He's frustrated with losing
2. He's in contract year.
3. He's playing with Rondo
4. He's 2 years removed from heart surgery.
5. He's more comfortable with Brad's system.

This pretty much hits the high points

[LarBrd33]

Stats are slightly up.  So far he's been consistent.  Good for trade value. 

[Beat LA]

Yeah, I hate to say it, but I'm thinking that he's just playing for a contract.  Who doesn't love those types of players (sarcasm)?

[footey]

sample size too small to draw conclusions.  But so far he is a better scorer probably because the team is scoring more points. If you extrapolate his minutes and the team total points per game average, and compare it with last year, my guess is that you will see his increase.

[Chris22]

Two words - Mark Blount

[BleedGreen1989]

I would extend Green based on current play.

Not much more per year, but extend the years depending

[Celtics18]

So far, Jeff's having a great year.  I don't really care why, just hope he keeps it up. 

[Celtics4ever]

I'd dare to say, Uncle Jeff has been our best player this year, no more Uncle Sleepy.