Memphis Grizzlies guard Danny Green expects to make his season debut on Feb. 1, returning from a left knee injury last May.
Green tore multiple ligaments in his knee during the Eastern Conference semifinals, when Green played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was traded with David Roddy to Memphis in the offseason for De'Anthony Melton.
Green said on his "Inside The Green Room" podcast on Wednesday that he will be ready to return next week when Memphis meets the Portland Trail Blazers.
The young Grizzlies undoubtedly can use the veteran presence of Green, 35, who has won three NBA titles. The Grizzlies, who have title aspirations of their own, are in second place in the NBA's Western Conference entering play Wednesday.
"What I bring is definitely needed here: perimeter shooting and perimeter defense," Green said Tuesday. "I think I can bring maturity and help a young team understand what it takes to win. This has been an A-1 organization from top to bottom in handling this entire rehab with me."
He tore the anterior and lateral cruciate ligaments in his knee.
Green won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs (2014), Toronto Raptors (2019) and Los Angeles Lakers (2020).
A second-round pick of the Cavaliers in the 2009 NBA Draft, Green is entering his 14th NBA season. In 819 career games (709 starts) with five teams, he has averages of 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
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