Obviously, it’s tough to compete with storylines like Phil Jackson getting fired and Chris Paul moving to Houston, but we’re going to keep soldiering through our series where we take a deeper dive at some of the upcoming free agents.
Today, we’re featuring a post focusing on Memphis PF JaMychal Green. Hope you enjoy it:
JaMYCHAL GREEN
The player you’re getting
With modest averages of 9.0 ppg and 7.4 rebounds per game, JaMychal Green’s stats will not pop off the screen for a high demanding free agent. Green was a journeyman playing overseas for a couple years before landing a spot with the Spurs, then finding a real role with the Grizzles. He played well enough during the 2015-2016 season that David Fizzle moved him into the 4 spot and send Zach Randolph to the 6th man spot.
Green is a good defender — he is versatile and can switch onto any position and guard them well. He has athleticism and is a hustle/tough player. He is the perfect fit for the tough Grizzles’ playing style. But, his toughness has gotten into foul trouble early into games this year, which has restricted him from getting his normal minutes.
How about his offense? 9 points per game doesn’t scream that he is a offensive weapon. He had a usage rate of 14.7%. He shot 50% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. He has the ability/athleticism to throw down dunks that’ll make a home crowd go wild. But the most interesting part of Green’s game? He can stretch the floor and hit from three. Shooting 38% from three land, he fits the modern day NBA which will only help his free agency attraction.
The contract he’s getting
Green will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning that the Grizzles will be able to match any offer that another team will offer Green. Some GMs consider Green a top target and some consider him a plan B if PF is there need.
If a team strikes out on targets like Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap, or Serge Ibaka, they will go after Green. But some teams may consider Green a plan A, if teams don’t want to pay too much for a aging vet like Millsap or a injury prone Griffin. Green is only 27 so this won’t be the only contract he will only get.
He may want to go after the $$ for his first deal. He has publicly said he would like to stay in Memphis. Memphis though will have a real tough time matching a high offer, so I think that Green will be taking his talents else where.
Projected Contract: 4 years, $70-75 million
The best fits
(3) Boston Celtics
Of course, what free agent don’t the Boston Celtics want. But Green would be a plan B for the C’s. If they strike out on Hayward and Griffin, I can see them going for Green as a backup plan. Green would fit well in the C’s starting 5. His skills would work well in Brad Stevens offense. He’ll spread the floor and not be a lane blocker for IT. He add more defense to the Celtics and would be a nice addition, if not a sexy big name signing. They are also a playoff team and will be for years. If Green wants to get paid and join a winning squad then Boston could be the destination.
(2) Brooklyn Nets
Is he young? Yes. Is he a restricted free agent? Yes. Then of course the Nets will offer the max to them. The Nets will offer Green the max money. He would be a good add for the Nets as they desperately need good young players. Him and Jarrett Allen could possibly be a potential frontcourt for the Nets in the coming years. If I had to bet where he would go I think the Nets is where he will end up this summer.
(1) Minnesota Timberwolves
The TWolves are in need of a power forward. Adding Green would make them a top 5 defensive team in the league. He is exactly the kind of player that would thrive with Thibs as his coach. He won’t demand the ball, and he will add defense for the this young Wolves team. Adding Green along with Jimmy Butler will propel the Wolves into the playoffs. A lineup of Rubio, Wiggins, Butler, Green, Towns will be a exciting team to watch and a young nucleus for years to come.
