The Boston Celtics gave Jeff Green an unexpected gift. Green is out with his heart condition for the season, but he still managed to make the news as Boston withdrew their qualifying offer to the young power forward. The move now means that next season Green is an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team of his choosing.
The Celtics by Green and his agents own admissions have done everything right by Green in this tough medical situation. They have put Jeff Green’s health first the entire way.The Celtics have exposed him to the best doctors, been constantly keeping an eye on him, and have kept his spirits up by keeping him the loop of the team. This move follows suit with that same spirit.
The hardest part for Green next year is going to be to prove to teams that not only is he medically fit, but mentally fit to play basketball. This type of injury is a very scary experience that could change the way a guy plays the game. Is Green going to be thinking in the back of his mind during every hard run down the floor during physically intense games? This is the question he must answer. If he was a restricted free agent on top of that, then a lot less teams would be looking into Green’s services. Why is a team going to waste their time with Jeff if they know Boston is going to match the offer and retain the power forward? Jeff can now have a fighters chance to land a decent contract and get himself back on the court to prove himself.
Before anyone thinks this is the end of Jeff Green in Boston there is a very important fact to remember. The Celtics still own Bird Rights on Green. This means they can pay out more money than anyone else and over the cap to retain his services. However, Boston is so ridiculously under the cap next year this is quite possibly a moot point. Green also loves Boston and appreciates the way the organization has handled this situation. He also has unfinished business in Boston after his disappointing playoff year. He wanted to prove that he could play in Boston. Celtics president Danny Ainge also loves Green’s game and obviously would love to have a healthy Jeff Green back. The man did not trade Kendrick Perkins for no reason. This means do not be surprised if Green returns next season to the Celtics. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!
