Houston Rockets' Jeff Green Takes On Critical Veteran Role
HOUSTON — General manager Rafael Stone made it a top priority to add veterans to the Houston Rockets' locker room this season. And his desires led to the Rockets signing 16-year veteran Jeff Green in July.
The signing of Green marks his second stint with the Rockets. He joined the team during the 2019-20 season and helped Houston advance to the Western Conference Semifinals as part of the Orlando Bubble experience.
At the time, the acquisition of Green was an attempt to help the Rockets win their first championship since 1995. Three years later, Green returned as a veteran who can assist with helping the Rockets re-establish themselves as a respectable team as they enter phase II of their rebuilding project.
Green may not have a consistent role within coach Ime Udoka's rotation. But the 37-year-old forward will contribute to helping Houston reset a culture that has been in question since 2021.
"At some point, a coach’s voice can only go so far, and that is when vets come into play," Green said. "We have some young guys who are tired of losing. They’re tired of how things have been.
"They want to change the headlines about who they are. They want to win games. So I see the hunger of wanting to be better. They’re hungry to win, and win now."
Nuggets forward Jeff Green (32) shoots the ball against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half in game five of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jack Dempsey/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Green is coming off his 15th career year after averaging 17.2 minutes during the Denver Nuggets' championship run last season.
He did not have a prominent on-court role. But his most significant position came as a veteran voice within Denver's locker room, alongside DeAndre Jordan and Ish Smith.
Green said their voices went a long way with the Nuggets, and their roles showcased the importance of veterans in today's league.
"There’s been talk about how this notion of the NBA wanting to go younger, and really take out the vets," Green said. "I think it’s great when you have guys who are experienced who have been through the ringer. To have them in the locker room is great. The experience itself, teaching the young guys what it takes to be a true professional. The everyday grind."
In 1,107 career games with 650 starts, Green has averaged 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 28.5 minutes per game.
