Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
When looking ahead to the 2015 NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers must address the small forward position, which is the weakest part of their lineup. Matt Barnes is currently the only serviceable option on the roster, so Los Angeles is certainly due for an upgrade at the position. There have been rumors that the Clippers are pursuing Paul Pierce, but Los Angeles cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket. Another player the Clippers should consider is Gerald Green.
At 35 years old, Barnes should no longer be tasked with being a starter in this league. Instead, he should be more of a role player off the bench, who can play some defense and knock down threes. Green, while some may debate if he is capable of being a starter for a playoff-caliber team, is definitely an intriguing option.
Green has only been in the league for seven years, but that time has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride for him. He was selected 18th overall out of high school by the Boston Celtics, but played limited minutes and spent a decent portion of his rookie season in the D-League. Green has played for a total of eight NBA franchises and he’s also spent time in both Russia and China.
Green is a player who is most notable for his highlight-reel dunks, many of which have been featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. However, he possesses a great amount of talent, but he’s been unable to reach his full potential at the professional level. Green is a gifted scorer and is liable to give the opposing team buckets on any given night out on the floor. During the 2013-14 season with the Suns, Green put up 36 points on the Denver Nuggets and 41 on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Green has seen his role in the Phoenix Suns rotation decrease in the past year or so, so why not go to a team that could definitely use his services? He’s not going to be the best player on the floor, but the Clippers don’t need him to be. That’s why Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are there. Green is a guy who can give the Clippers energy every night out and make things happen when he’s on the floor. He also would provide another scorer on a team that could use some more point production.
A change of scenery may be all that Green needs. If the Clippers take a chance on him, Green may be able to learn from the other veterans in the locker room and become a difference-maker on a team that needs to get over the playoff hump.
Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
