Jeff Green did not expect anything when he signed with the Houston Rockets in July. However, his mindset remained the same. Whenever coach Ime Udoka would call upon his number, be ready.
It's the same mindset that has helped Green make an impact on each team he has played for throughout his 15 years in the league.
Saturday night inside the Toyota Center, Udoka called upon Green's number to help the Rockets take a 112-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. He came off the bench and scored 16 points on 5 of 11 shooting, two rebounds and a pair of assists in 34 minutes.
"It's basketball," Green said. "I am a smart player. I understand the game very well. We have great guys coming off the bench who can do multiple things. We fit in by playing to guys' strengths while making plays for each other."
Green played a vital role in helping the Rockets close their seven-game homestand on a winning note. But after 34 games, Green has surpassed the modest expectations he came into the season with.
When the Rockets signed the veteran forward to a one-year deal in July, it appeared he would not have a consistent role within coach Ime Udoka's rotation. The main objective for the 37-year-old forward was to be a prominent voice to help Houston reset a culture that has been in question since 2021.
He is filling his responsibilities as an essential veteran within the locker room. Alperen Şengün said Green is one of the primary veterans who have been hard on the younger guys. But whenever Udoka needs versatility, he has relied upon Green's services to assist with the Rockets' on-court play.
After holding a 21-point lead, the Rockets saw their advantage dwindle to 10 (67-57) with 9:01 left in the third quarter. Green nailed back-to-back 3-point field goals to keep the Rockets from squandering their lead.
"My message to Jeff and Jabari [Smith Jr.] was to let it fly," Udoka said. "It was big for Jeff to come up with those threes."
Slowly but surely, Green is developing a replica of his role that helped the Denver Nuggets win the 2023 NBA Championship in June. He played a vital role as a reserve in Denver who averaged 19.5 minutes during the team's championship run. He also served as a veteran voice within Denver's locker room, alongside DeAndre Jordan and Ish Smith.
His production in Houston may not lead to a championship, but Green's play has helped the Rockets re-establish themselves as a respectable franchise.
"Whatever coach Ime asks of me, I am going to do it," Green said. "I prepare each game in a way where I am always ready."
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