Houston Rockets: Gerald Green deserves a spot in the playoff rotation

After proving to be a reliable option off the bench all season long, Gerald Green has shown that he is more than deserving of a spot in the Houston Rockets’ rotation this coming postseason.

Just four and a half months ago, Gerald Green found himself shooting around in his driveway in the effort to stay fresh after receiving some unfortunate news shortly before the start of the 2017-18 regular season.

The 32-year-old swingman, who had played for eight different organizations over the course of his 10-year career, was cut by the Milwaukee Bucks on the final day of training camp in October.

One could not help but wonder if he would get another chance to play in the league, as the former first round pick in the 2005 NBA Draft sat idle for nearly two straight months to begin the year.

"“No team wanted me,” Green told ESPN ‘s Tim MacMahon. “No overseas team. Not even a D-League team.”"

Now, the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest champion has found himself a quality living at home, as the once unemployed, high-flying journeyman has currently become a scoring threat off the bench for the Houston Rockets.

By knocking down 3-point shots and helping Houston spread the floor on offense all season long, the 6’7″ forward has emerged from the shadows.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/981350491786539009

Through 39 games, Green has managed to drop buckets in bunches against opposing teams, averaging 11.5 points to go alongside of 3.2 rebounds per game for the Rockets — all while finding a way to thrive in limited spurts of action throughout the season.

The Houston native, who fell out of the rotation following the signing of Joe Johnson in mid-Feburary, has recently been pressed back into duty to serve as Clutch City’s quasi-like Sixth Man over the last five games, posting 12.4 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 57.9 percent in the wake of Eric Gordon‘s foot injury.

He’s proven to be one of the most consistent role players on the Rockets all season long alongside teammates such as P.J. Tucker, as Green’s effort — combined with his ability to catch fire at any given instant — has made him a viable candidate for a spot in Houston’s official playoff rotation.

"“He’s earned a lot of trust from everybody,” head coach Mike D’Antoni told Adam Spolane of SportsRadio 610  Houston. “The thing I like about him is just that he’ll play 15 minutes and get 10 [3-pointers] up and probably will make a bunch of them, so he’s instant offense and we need that, and he’s trying hard on defense.“He’s athletic, and he can run the floor…we got lucky with him, very lucky.”"

Although no one knows how much playing time Green will garner this upcoming postseason, nobody can deny that the veteran has been arguably one of Houston’s most dynamic players to watch over the last few weeks. The former Gulf Shores Academy standout has hit some big shots in contests where he has received extended minutes, proving he is more than deserving of a permanent spot in the process.

Since joining the team in late December, Green has scored in double figures in 26 out of 39 contests and has shot 36.4 percent from 3-point range during that time span. His willingness to let shots fly and defend, could play an essential role in the Rockets’ success this postseason.

D’Antoni possesses enough depth to play as many as 10 guys on any given night and values volume shooters such as the hometown hero himself, who appears to be up for the challenge that lies ahead.

"“I’m blessed to have this opportunity. I have a chance…to win a ring,” Green said to reporters a few months ago.“Whatever role I have on this team, I’m more than honored to have. Right now, I know my number is getting ready to be called. I’ve been in the gym working…so I think I should be in position to help this team win.”"

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Green and the Rockets will seek to finish the regular season out strong, as they get ready to face off against Kyle Kuzma and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at the Staples Center.