Memphis Grizzlies Player Evaluation: Jeff Green

Jan 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after a dunk during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

‘Beale Street Bears’ takes a look at Jeff Green’s first year with the Memphis Grizzlies and provides grades for his performance.

Following a midseason trade to the Memphis Grizzlies, it seemed as if nearly everyone in the basketball world believed Jeff Green would provide the boost to the next level that the Grizz needed in order to run away with an NBA World Championship.

On paper, it seemed too good to be true. If you have heard that old adage, you already know what I will say next: it was.

Jeff Green wowed the home crowd several times with a few posterizations on dunk attemps and he had a few games where he splashed home multiple threes to energize the fans.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

Jan 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jeff Green (32) Memphis Grizzlies shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Brooklyn Nets 103-92.

Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Green could not find a level of consistency for the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the postseason, the best–by far–shooting performance that Green showcased included him going four of eight on shot attempts from the field. That was in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Golden State Warriors, where the W’s tied the series at two games and would later seize the series.

The downfall of the 2014-15 Memphis Grizzlies is most definitely not only because of JG’s lack of offensive production. It is far from it, actually. I place the blame on injuries first and foremost, plus the Warriors were downright good, too. Against the Dubs, the Grizzlies–as an entire team–had difficulty in getting clean shots in the air, let alone through the hoop. Had Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and others been at 100% health, the Grizz could have potentially matched Golden State with the stifling defense and we very well could have seen Memphis come out ahead in the semifinal series. After all, it went six games with Conley playing with a broken face, Tony Allen with half of hamstring, and others limping and hobbling.

However, Jeff Green did not step up when needed. Allen went down and JG could not fill his shoes. Offense of any kind was desperately in need and Jeff only produced two double figure-scoring games versus Golden State with his high being 12 points all postseason. For shooting percentages, Green shot 26.9% from the field in the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs. This number only rose to 39.3% in the second round. It is not what you would expect from a play that has been mentioned as a rising star and borderline All-Star not too long ago.

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates with guard Courtney Lee (5) after a play against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Could the midseason changes of surroundings be the main reason for Green’s offensive fluctuations? There is a very high chance of that. Thankfully, being as JG has exercised his player option to return to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015-16, he will now be able to go through a full offseason, training camp, and preseason with M-Town in order to become more acclimated to his teammates and all of the game plans.

Memphis wants and needs Jeff Green to play big. Could we at least get to see an aggressive JG?! He has all of the tools to push this franchise over the top to notch the city’s first ever NBA World Championship trophy.

How did we grade Jeff Green’s 2014-15 season with the Memphis Grizzlies? Take a look below.

Ben Parker, Staff Writer

Grade: C

Assessment: “Jeff Green was supposed to be the missing ingredient to a Memphis Grizzlies’ championship run and unfortunately it became clear that his addition to the team wasn’t that impactful. He averaged only 13.1 points per game in the regular season when he was supposed to be flirting with 20 points every night. In the playoffs, he was even less of an impact only averaging 8.9 points per game.

I don’t know whether Dave Joerger just didn’t know how to utilize him properly or if he genuinely wasn’t very good, but either way, I have to give Jeff Green a C for how he played with the Grizzlies last season. The fact that he didn’t come close to living up to expectations plays a large role in his low grade.”

Ken Newhouse, Editor

Grade: D+

Assessment: “Such a disappointment. Those are the three words that should be used when describing Jeff Green’s performance with the Grizzlies this season. I loved the trade at first, but he struggled mightily down the stretch. Maybe he didn’t gel with the team in his short tenure in Memphis, but hopefully 2015-16 will be better.”

Christian Dudley, Editor

Grade: “C” for regular season, “D” for postseason

Assessment: “I have long been a fan of Jeff Green and I hate to put his performances in a negative light, but box scores do not lie. His defense has been pretty solid for the most part. He can easily play both forward positions. His offense is where he was greatly disappointing in 2014-15. Will the real Jeff Green please stand up?! He showed some promise in the regular season from time to time, but he lost a lot of his aggressive edge as soon as the NBA Playoffs began. I will give him a ‘D’ for his postseason efforts because that is where I really thought he would pay major dividends for the Memphis Grizzlies. I am hopeful that he turns it around for Grizz Nation next season.”

Grizz Nation: agree or disagree? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

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