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NBA: Minimum Contract, Maximum Value

By Simon Smith

Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) celebrates after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Kings 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies

Contract: $980,431; expires 2016-17

Now in this third season in the league, Green has made significant strides since going undrafted coming out of Alabama. His starting role this season on the 26-20 Memphis Grizzlies exemplifies his progression. Playing in all 46 games, Green is averaging 9.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per contest.

Unlike his predecessor in the starting lineup in Zach Randolph, Green represents the modern-day, athletic NBA power forward. In tandem next to all-star center Marc Gasol, Green provides a terrific complement to the surrounding skill-sets of the Grizzlies front court.

Despite sharing the front court with the likes of Gasol and Randolph, Green has had some huge games on the boards. He has so far had 12 games this season with 10 or more rebounds, with a season of 18 coming in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Highlights 

Check out the highlights below of Green’s career-high 21 point game in a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

One major query facing the Grizzlies this offseason will be how they handle Green coming out of contract. Already with the league’s fifth-highest payroll and with Randolph also due for an extension, the Grizzlies will need to decide how badly they wish to Green.

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If they don’t, there will be no shortage of other suitors.

The players covered here represent a mix of undrafted, hungry players along with veterans competing for a championship. The front offices of each respective team would no doubt be delighted with the return on investments these players have produced this season.

And who knows, a key contributor to a championship could be placed on the resume of one these exceptional role players.