The chicago bulls are tied with boston for 1st place

Primarily they knew they wouldn't resign Perkins so they figured they'd prepare for the future and make the call on resigning Green if he panned out.

For this year, they probably figure that with Shaq and/or Jermaine returning they will have the C covered, and now have someone to spell Pierce. Remember how important James Posey was in the '08 playoffs? That's the role Green is supposed to play.

 

James Posey was an intangibles/hustle/defense guy.

I've heard some TV analysts refer to Jeff Green as a guy who can defend LeBron in the playoffs -- maybe I just haven't watched him enough, but I've always thought of him as a subpar defender.

 

You have the correct understanding. The thought of him defending LeBron or Melo in the playoffs makes me laugh. His "versatility" is also vastly overstated. He can't even hit 3-pointers like Posey.

This season, I've heard a lot of comments by national TV announcers who obviously know little about Green's limitations.

 

Well, Posey is 6'8, 220, and in '08 his numbers were:
24mpg 7.4ppg 42 FG% 38 3FG% 81 FT%

Green is 6'9, 235 and his numbers for Boston so far are:
22mpg 10.6ppg 50FG% 33 3FG% 83 FT%

this is a small sample so it's bound to change; for the full year he is at:
35mpg 14.5ppg 44FG% 31 3FG% 83 FT%

Given their similar builds and somewhat-similar stats, I can see how Boston could look to Green for the same role. The main thing is that prior to this acquisition there was really no one to back Pierce up, and Green can do at least an average job at that, while possibly having big games here and there.

Personally, I think the decision will come down to how much & well Shaq can play in the playoffs. If he can give them 25+ mpg, they will be fine without Perkins as Baby and/or Jermaine are more than capable of filling in. Meanwhile, having Green to give much needed support at the 3/4 is very valuable.

The Miami/Boston series, whether it happens in the semis or the ECF is going to be epic.

 

Green's season to date percentages are 44%/31%. If he continues the increased efficiency, good for him. I doubt it. He also doesn't bring the savvy or toughness of Posey.

I'll say this: His minutes per game and responsibilities are way down since switching teams. On OKC he was a starter playing 35 mins/game, taking 12 shots and shooting a bunch of 3s. With Boston, he's coming off the bench in a backup role and doesn't have to worry about being a main cog. This is what he's suited for but Scott Brooks refused to reduce his role in OKC because they still won.

It boils down to the playoffs. If Green pulls a complete choke-job like last year, oh brother. If he isn't jittery and plays within himself, his 20-25 mins on the floor might work out OK.

I can't wait for a 2nd round Heat series either.

 

DD claimed that Rose wasn't a star earlier this season

 

I didn't know where to put this but this seems like the most appropriate thread since they beat Boston

 

i do too.

 

You are joking right , West is Weak this year with Amare , Deron Williams , Melo , Boozer all leaving to the East .

East is starting to become to the new West .

 

5 steps. Hakeem could do it in 3.

 

West won 58% of cross conference matches this year, and the record of top 4 west seeds are better than top 4 east seeds. West remain much stronger this year at least.

 

Seriously DID NOT EXPECT the bulls to eventually touch the top of the east. Good on them !