Gerald Green

For other people named Gerald Green, see Gerald Green (disambiguation).
Gerald Green

Green with BC Krasnye Krylia in 2011
No. 30 – Boston Celtics
Position Shooting guard / Small forward
League NBA
Personal information
Born (1986-01-26) January 26, 1986
Houston, Texas
Nationality American
Listed height 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight 205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school Gulf Shores Academy
(Houston, Texas)
NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
Selected by the Boston Celtics
Playing career 2005–present
Career history
2005–2007 Boston Celtics
2006 →Fayetteville Patriots
2006 →Florida Flame
2007–2008 Minnesota Timberwolves
2008 Houston Rockets
2008–2009 Dallas Mavericks
2009–2010 Lokomotiv Kuban
2010–2011 Krasnye Krylia
2011 Foshan Dralions
2011–2012 Los Angeles D-Fenders
2012 New Jersey Nets
2012–2013 Indiana Pacers
2013–2015 Phoenix Suns
2015–2016 Miami Heat
2016–present Boston Celtics
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Gerald Green, Jr. (born January 26, 1986) is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted by the Celtics with the 18th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft. Known for his dunking skill, he has performed well in many slam dunk competitions, having won the 2005 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest and the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, while finishing as the runner-up in the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.[1]

Early life

Green was born in Houston, Texas. When he was in the 6th grade, he was involved in an accident that left a significant portion of his right ring finger cut off. He was wearing a ring on his right ring finger when he attempted a dunk on a makeshift basketball hoop. The ring caught onto a nail on the goal and his finger was ripped, with amputation being the only option.[2]

High school career

Green did not play high school basketball until his sophomore year, when he played junior varsity for J. Frank Dobie High School. In his junior year, he made the varsity team, but his play was cut short because of academic issues.[3]

Green transferred to a charter school, Gulf Shores Academy in Houston where he repeated his junior year.[3] In his senior year at Gulf Shores, he averaged 33 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocked shots per game. He was named an All-American and was the high scorer with 24 points in the 2005 McDonald's All-American Game,[4] which features two teams composed of the best high school basketball players in the United States. Green also won the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest that year, defeating future Duke player Josh McRoberts.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Green was listed as the No. 1 player in the nation in 2005.[5]

Green originally committed to Oklahoma State University, but later decided to enter the NBA Draft upon graduation. He hired an agent, thereby making himself ineligible to participate in NCAA athletics.

Professional career

Draft

Green was expected by many analysts to be one of the top players chosen but he fell to the Celtics, who selected him with the 18th pick in the draft. His fall is attributed to his decision to give individual workouts only for the teams with the top six picks prior to the draft.[3]

Green drew comparisons to former Houston Rockets teammate and star Tracy McGrady in the period leading up to the 2005 NBA draft.[1]

Green was one of the last players to enter the NBA directly from high school, as the collective bargaining agreement between NBA owners and the NBA Players' Association now mandates that American players who enter the NBA Draft must be at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class and reach age 19 no later than December 31 of the calendar year of the draft.[3]

Boston Celtics (2005–2007)

2005–06 season

During the pre-season, Green averaged 8 points and 1.3 rebounds per game for the Celtics in the 2005 Las Vegas Summer League.[6]

After seeing limited playing time during the first part of the season, Green was placed on the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA D-League by the Celtics in January 2006. He was recalled and activated to an NBA roster position on February 3. He was reassigned to the NBDL, to the Florida Flame, on February 16. He was recalled and activated again on February 21, and saw his first significant NBA game action on the following night, scoring 13 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in 23 minutes.

He appeared in 32 games and averaged 11.8 minutes, 5.2 points, and 1.2 rebounds during these contests. Gerald Green left marks on the league with his highlight plays including a shot clock beating half court three against Indiana and two SportsCenter top play dunks in the closing seconds in two games against Toronto.

2006–07 season

Over the off-season, Green aimed at improving all aspects of his game in order to gain playing time. He had shown flashes of his capability during the end of the 2005–06 season, but started off the 2006–07 season slowly, earning a somewhat limited role and playing time behind captain Paul Pierce, and swingman Wally Szczerbiak. With injuries to Szczerbiak and Pierce, his playing time increased, but he was unable to nail down a starting role. Green started his first ever game early December against the Philadelphia 76ers, but then lost his job to a returning Szczerbiak. Green finished the 2006–07 season averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

On February 17, 2007, Green won the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, beating out Nate Robinson, Tyrus Thomas, and Dwight Howard.

The season was going very well for Green. On March 16, 2007, he scored a career-high 25 points in a Celtics' loss to the Dallas Mavericks,[7][8] and on April 10, 2007, Green topped that with 33 points (12-22 FG, 4-5 3FG) at Atlanta.[7]

On July 31, 2007 it was made official that Green was to be traded along with Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and draft picks, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett.[9]

Minnesota Timberwolves (2007–2008)

At Minnesota, Green found himself stuck on the bench behind a number of players at his same position. In early January 2008, Green's agent asked the Timberwolves to trade his client.[10]

At the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Green opened the competition with a dunk he called "The Birthday Cake" in which he blew out a birthday candle on a cupcake set on the back of the rim while dunking. He followed that up with an alley-oop two-handed windmill. His first dunk of the second round was an alley-oop from behind the basket which he put between his legs before dunking. His final dunk of the night was a between-the-legs one-handed slam that he performed after taking off his shoes. He ended up finishing second to Dwight Howard, after Howard received seventy-eight percent of the votes cast by fans through text message.[11][12]

Houston Rockets (2008)

On February 21, 2008, Green was traded to his hometown team Houston Rockets for Kirk Snyder, a second round 2010 draft pick, and cash considerations. He was subsequently released by the Rockets on March 8[13] and became an unrestricted free agent in July.

Dallas Mavericks (2008–2009)

On July 1, 2008, Gerald Green signed with the Dallas Mavericks. His agent Colin Bryant told Fox 26 Sports, "We have a verbal agreement with Dallas on a one year contract, We talked to a number of teams and there is more money out there, but this is the best situation for Gerald at this point in his career."[14]

Green was not supposed to go to the summer league but chose to go to learn the plays and get a feeling of the Mavs organization early and not let his chance slip away. In the Vegas Summer League he averaged an underwhelming 13.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg on 38% shooting from the field. On a bright note, he was 43% from beyond the arc. Following the Vegas Summer League, the Mavs and Gerald participated in the Rocky Mountain Revue, a summer league held in Salt Lake City, Utah. There in just 25.8 mpg Green averaged 17.7 ppg to go with 2.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1 spg, .5 bpg, and a respectable 2.2 topg. This time around, Gerald shot a much more impressive 45%, including going 12 for 26 from behind the three point line (46%), and 28-31 from the free throw line (90%). His overall performance was enough to earn him All-Revue Team honors.

Outside the NBA (2009–2011)

Green signed with PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban of Russia on December 2009.[15] He was waived by the Lokomotiv Kuban on June 2010. He then was named to the Los Angeles Lakers roster for the 2010 NBA Summer League.[16] After the Summer League, Green signed with BC Krasnye Krylya, also a Russian team.[17] In October 2011 he moved to China, signing a one-year contract with the Foshan Dralions.[18] On December 2, 2011, Green was released by Foshan.[19]

Los Angeles Lakers & D-Fenders (2011–2012)

On December 13, 2011, Green signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as an opportunity to return to the NBA. However, Green was waived by the Lakers on December 22 just days before the shortened regular season began.[20]

On December 28, 2011, Green signed with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League. He played at the NBA D-League All-Star game and was awarded the NBA D-League All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. Over the season, he averaged 19.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He recorded a season-high of 35 points against the Erie BayHawks.[21]

New Jersey Nets (2012)

The New Jersey Nets signed Green to a 10-day contract on February 27, 2012. He was signed to a second 10-day contract on March 8, 2012. His dunk against the Houston Rockets on March 11, 2012 was called "one of the dirtiest in-game windmill alley-oops in NBA history".[22] On March 18, 2012, he was signed for the rest of the season. Through the season he averaged 12.9 points, 1.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 31 games played.

Indiana Pacers (2012–2013)

On July 12, 2012, Green signed with the Indiana Pacers.[23] During the 2013 All-Star weekend, Green participated in his third NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Phoenix Suns (2013–2015)

Gerald Green shooting a fadeaway jumper vs. the Memphis Grizzlies as a member of the Suns

On July 27, 2013, Green was traded to the Phoenix Suns alongside Miles Plumlee and a future first round pick for Luis Scola.[24] Green started for the Suns when fellow guards Goran Dragić and Eric Bledsoe were injured during their respective periods in November 2013. He received more starting time with the Suns after Eric Bledsoe had a major knee injury during January, February, and early March 2014. Throughout this period, Green would take over some games as being the team's leading scorer, including a 112–107 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, in which he'd record a then career-high 36 points against them, which included making 8 of the team's 13 points in overtime.[25]

On March 6, 2014, Green recorded a new career-high 41 points, including a career-high 8 made three-pointers, in a 128–122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.[26] When Eric Bledsoe returned to action on March 12, 2014, Green returned to his bench role. Green finished the season with new career-highs in points per game and free-throw percentage. As a result, he finished fourth in the NBA Most Improved Player Award behind Anthony Davis, Lance Stephenson, and Green's teammate Goran Dragić.

On April 8, 2015, Green scored a season-high 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting in a 104–107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.[27]

Miami Heat (2015–2016)

On July 9, 2015, Green signed with the Miami Heat.[28] He made his debut for the Heat in the team's season opener against the Charlotte Hornets on October 28, scoring 19 points off the bench in a 104–94 win.[29] On November 27, he scored a season-high 25 points while starting in place of the injured Luol Deng, helping the Heat defeat the New York Knicks 97–78.[30] He topped that mark on April 1, 2016, scoring 30 points while starting in place of the injured Dwyane Wade, helping the Heat defeat the Sacramento Kings 112–106.[31]

Return to Boston (2016–present)

Green with the Celtics during preseason in October 2016

On July 27, 2016, Green signed with the Boston Celtics, returning to the franchise for a second stint.[32] In the Celtics' season opener on October 26, 2016, Green scored nine points off the bench in a 122–117 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[33]

Personal life

Gerald's second cousin is San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green. He also has a younger brother, Garlon, who is currently playing for Tigers Tübingen of the Basketball Bundesliga. He formerly played for TCU before going to play in Europe.[34][35]

NBA career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2005–06 Boston 32 3 11.7 .478 .300 .784 1.3 .6 .4 .1 5.2
2006–07 Boston 81 26 22.0 .419 .368 .805 2.6 1.0 .5 .3 10.4
2007–08 Minnesota 29 0 12.3 .331 .385 .829 2.1 1.0 .3 .1 5.1
2007–08 Houston 1 0 4.0 1.000 .000 .000 2.0 .0 .0 .0 6.0
2008–09 Dallas 38 12 9.9 .439 .304 .844 1.4 .4 .3 .1 5.2
2011–12 New Jersey 31 2 25.2 .481 .391 .754 3.5 1.1 .9 .5 12.9
2012–13 Indiana 60 7 18.0 .366 .314 .800 2.4 .8 .3 .4 7.0
2013–14 Phoenix 82 48 28.4 .445 .400 .848 3.4 1.5 .9 .5 15.8
2014–15 Phoenix 74 4 19.5 .416 .354 .825 2.5 1.2 .6 .2 11.9
2015–16 Miami 69 14 22.6 .392 .323 .783 2.4 .8 .6 .3 8.9
Career 497 116 20.3 .421 .361 .815 2.5 1.0 .5 .3 10.0

Playoffs

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009 Dallas 6 0 4.3 .286 .200 .500 .3 .0 .2 .0 1.8
2013 Indiana 9 0 11.7 .420 .333 1.000 1.3 .3 .0 .1 6.1
2016 Miami 12 0 9.2 .327 .286 .800 1.4 .1 .3 .1 3.3
Career 27 0 8.9 .363 .308 .727 1.1 .2 .2 .1 4.0

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Robinson, Jon (2005-09-29). "Gerald Green: Color of Money". IGN. Retrieved 2007-02-09.
  2. ↑ Gerald Green only has part of his ring finger on his right hand. Wait, what?
  3. 1 2 3 4 http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7828599/the-improbable-return-nba-new-jersey-nets-gerald-green
  4. ↑ NBADraft.net | 2005 McDonald's All-American Game Recap
  5. ↑ Gerald Green Recruiting Profile
  6. ↑ Boston Celtics summer league statistics
  7. 1 2 Hawks pull out victory in battle of shorthanded teams
  8. ↑ Nowitzki, Howard help Mavs rebound from back-to-back losses
  9. ↑ Garnett deal finalized - BostonHerald.com
  10. ↑ Green wants a trade
  11. ↑ Howard ends Green’s reign - BostonHerald.com
  12. ↑ http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/tnt/allstar/nba_dunk_best_021708.asx
  13. ↑ Rockets Sign Mike Harris to 10-Day Contract
  14. ↑ MyFox Houston | Gerald Green to Join Dallas
  15. ↑ Gerald Green Signs With Russian Team. Retrieved on December 16, 2009.
  16. ↑ NBA Player Page
  17. ↑ Krasnye Krylia tabs Gerald Green
  18. ↑ Gerald Green signed in China with Foshan
  19. ↑ Gerald Green sacked by Chinese club
  20. ↑ Gerald Green Player Profile – RealGM
  21. ↑ "Gerald Green player profile". NBA. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  22. ↑ Söze, Michael. "Gerald Green Alley-Oop Dunk Brings Down the House in New Jersey [Video]". The Inquistr. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  23. ↑ Pacers Sign Free Agent Gerald Green
  24. ↑ "Suns Make Important Trade for Future". NBA.com. July 27, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  25. ↑ Notebook: Suns 112, Nuggets 107 (OT)
  26. ↑ Notebook: Suns 128, Thunder 122
  27. ↑ Nowitzki, Mavericks knock Suns out of playoff race
  28. ↑ "HEAT Signs Gerald Green". NBA.com. July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Bosh returns, Heat top Hornets 104-94 in season opener". NBA.com. October 28, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Gerald Green scores 25, leads Heat to 97-78 rout of Knicks". NBA.com. November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Heat blow big lead, but hold on to beat Kings 112-106". NBA.com. April 1, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Celtics Sign Five Players". NBA.com. July 27, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Nets at Celtics". NBA.com. October 26, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Gerald Green's brother throws down insane putback dunk ... on wrong basket". FOX Sports. December 14, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  35. ↑ Feldman, Dan (December 18, 2015). "Gerald Green's brother soars for spectacular putback dunk – on wrong basket (video)". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gerald Green.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/3/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.