The Boston Celtics have reportedly signed high-flying swingman Gerald Green to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum (~ $1.4 million):
The @celtics will sign free-agent guard Gerald Green, a source told Sporting News.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) July 23, 2016
Per sources, Gerald Green to get 1 yr deal at vet minimum (little more than $1.4 million); Zeller 2 yrs at $8 mil per, only 1st guaranteed.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 23, 2016
The Celtics originally drafted Green back in 2005, but traded him to Minnesota in 2007 as part of a package for superstar big man Kevin Garnett.
By signing Green, the C’s get an (extremely) athletic wing who can play the two or the three, and can shoot the rock from outside. On paper, Green –who has a nice outside stroke and can jump out of the gym– should be a star in the NBA. However, similarly to another former Celtic with the last name Green (Jeff), Gerald’s consistency issues have kept him out of the limelight. In his nine-year career, Green has bounced around the league, playing for the Celtics, Timberwolves, Rockets(well, a total of four minutes for the Rockets), Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, Suns, and Heat. Green has never played for the same NBA team for more than two years.
Green’s best season came in 2013-14 for the Suns, when he averaged 15.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, while shooting a .445/.400/.848 slashline. Last year for Miami Green shot just 32.3% from beyond the arc, but is a career 36.1% from that range. If Green can shoot the ball well next season (which shouldn’t necessarily be counted on), he could be a nice asset for Boston, adding depth at the small forward position behind Jae Crowder and no. 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown.
