The Silver Lining Jeff Green Gives the Memphis Grizzlies

Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

As the Memphis Grizzlies move closer to the postseason, Jeff Green is the silver lining that the team has needs to reach the NBA Finals.

The Grizzlies have a few rivals in the Western Conference, mostly from multiple meetings and duels in the NBA Playoffs over the past several seasons. These teams include the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder–in no particular order.

Jan 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) dries to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks on during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Lately, it seems as if the team making the most headlines around the league is the OKC Thunder. Russell Westbrook was named this year’s All-Star Game MVP, Kevin Durant is the reigning MVP, and they were a major player in the NBA Trade Deadline’s many moves.

Oklahoma City currently sits in the eighth and final playoff seed after having a poor start to the season when they caught the injury bug. They have an overall record of 31-25, whereas the Grizzlies are in second place with 41-14 record.

OKC’s surge may not be over quite yet. Even with as tough as the Western Conference has been this year, the Thunder are only 5.5 games behind the fourth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers. With more than 20 games left on everybody’s schedule, there should still be a lot of jumbling as teams attempt to secure their desired playoff positions.

It seems as if the Grizzlies will most likely see at least one playoff series against one of their three top rivals–the Spurs, Clippers, or Thunder.

Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis has the tools to defeat any team, but after an unfortunate and early exit in last year’s postseason, the Grizzlies would love to get playoff revenge against Oklahoma City.

Despite the war-torn history between the Grizzlies and Thunder, what is new to the matchup this season?

The answer: Jeff Green is a Grizzly.

Green was drafted with Kevin Durant by the relocated Seattle SuperSonics in 2007, whom are now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jeff Green was pretty much a brother to Durant. After the arrival of Westbrook, Green was a brother to him, too. It is no secret that those Thunder teams were close-knit. Jeff was a large part of that.

Why does that matter now?

Through all of that time with OKC, Jeff Green is no longer a teammate to the Thunder guys, but rather, their targeted enemy.

When there were ongoing debates about the Grizzlies’ trade targets, the Front Office knew what they were doing. They had the Oklahoma City Thunder in their minds.

They went and made the future Green-er in Memphis.

Jan 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Green spent so much time with KD, Westbrook, head coach Scott Brooks, Nick Collison, and others. He played in 289 games over the course of four seasons with the group.

While those days are well in the past, Green most likely knows some of OKC’s plays. He also spent so many daily practices trying to defend Kevin Durant and trying to score the ball off of a pass to allow an assist to Westbrook’s name.

JG knows how the Thunder work–even several years later.

The Grizzlies are a deeper team than last season, especially after the Green trade. Not only is he an exceptional player, but his familiarity with the OKC Thunder adds to his importance to Memphis’ chances as they chase their first NBA title.

While Jeff Green has already been beneficial for the Grizzlies thus far, it should really pay dividends once spring is in full swing.

And even more–if and when–the Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Go Grizz!

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