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Jeff Green can reclaim his unrealized potential for Orlando Magic

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Despite possessing the skills and body of a NBA star, forward Jeff Green has yet to get his career moving. Is it already too late to claim his potential?

Upon being drafted with the fifth pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, great things were expected of Jeff Green. A naturally gifted talent with near-perfect intangibles, several commentators predicted a bright future for the Georgetown product.

His hulking, powerful frame allows him to burst through defenses on his way to the basket on offense, while his combination of size, speed and athleticism give him the physical tools to be a threatening presence on defense, both on the perimeter and around the basket.

Yet after almost a decade in the league, Green has yet to establish himself as even a regular NBA starter.

Despite having shown multiple flashes of greatness, his inconsistency and poor defense have meant a stable starting spot has eluded him. He has found himself traded four times, most recently to the Los Angeles Clippers.

On his day, he can be a dominant offense force — although this comes around all too infrequently. Jeff Green has yet to come close to his potential coming out of college. And, as he turns 30, there are serious questions this potential may forever go unrealized.

Many believe it already has done so.

But, after signing a one-year, $15-million deal with the Orlando Magic, can Green finally get his game together and start to show the promise that his natural athleticism and ability should lead to? Or, is it already too late?

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Jeff Green (8) controls the ball against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Green, the Player

Despite seemingly possessing all the tools for success, inconsistency has plagued Green’s career.

After a mediocre rookie year, Green had a tremendous sophomore season with the newly formed Oklahoma City Thunder, putting up 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, while shooting 38.9 percent from deep. It would be several years before he attained similar numbers, although they came at a far more inefficient field goal percentage — 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds on 41.2 percent shooting in 2014.

Inefficiency has been one of Green’s greatest vices, particular potent given his primary role as a scorer.

He struggles from almost all distances beyond three feet of the basket — shooting just 31.5 percent from deep in 2016 (and 33.9 percent for his career), and an appalling 34.4 percent from between 3-9 feet of the basket. His effective field goal percentage has thus only topped 50 percent twice in his career, and not since 2013.

Green’s troubles outside of scoring only accentuate these problems. He is a poor rebounder at the power forward position (8.3 percent total rebound rate in 2016), is an inadequate playmaker and a mediocre defender at best. Thus, in long stretches, it appears Green has a negative impact. His on-court plus-minus for his career is -3.7 points per 100 possessions, while his teams have played 5.6 points per 100 possessions better with him off the court, according to Basketball-Reference.

However, in a reduced role with limited minutes, Green may thrive. He does have his moments where he can take over a game. Thus, if a team does not have to rely on him, he can be effective.

This has been proven time and time again in his career.

Feb 10, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Jeff Green (32) drives past Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Finding his role

As a combo forward on a team with a logjam at both the 3 and the 4, Green may struggle to earn significant minutes with the Magic. He certainly will not start over Aaron Gordon or Serge Ibaka. And this might just be the one thing he needs to get his career back on track.

Green finds himself behind Serge Ibaka, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Mario Hezonja, and is thus likely only to play limited minutes this season. While this may not seem ideal for the typical NBA veteran, it may be this very situation that is ideal for Green, who is trying to rehabilitate his image somewhat.

As an impact scorer off the bench, Green is in a low-pressure environment where he is relied on less than perhaps ever before. Even less so than his recent stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.

With the pressure off, the hope is Green can show some of his best work in his limited minutes — the flashes of greatness he has shown from time to time, including against the Magic.

However, this is the clear trajectory for Green’s future. At 30 years old, he is unlikely to become much better (if at all), nor more consistent.

Thus, although this season with the Magic may help rehabilitate Green’s reputation in the NBA somewhat, it will be only in a reduced role.

Jan 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Too late for Jeff Green?

The 2016 season represents a chance for Jeff Green to rehabilitate his image in the NBA. Seen as someone who is inconsistent and inefficient, having fewer minutes and less responsibility could be crucial to something of a revitalization.

But it is clear Green will never quite reach his lofty potential. The closest he has come have been outbursts of scoring that occur from time to time. But never quite often enough to justify him becoming a central piece on any team.

It may be too late for Green to reach expectations. But that is not to say that this year will go to waste.

It would be an excellent opportunity to show some consistency. And perhaps earn a future contract (and maybe a prominent role) on a championship team, as he heads into the latter years of his career.

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