Rockets officially sign Jeff Green for remainder of 2019-20 season - Rockets Wire

In news that should surprise no one, the Houston Rockets announced late Friday that Jeff Green is now signed for the rest of the season.

Both Green and the Rockets have raved about the fit since the 13-year NBA veteran signed a 10-day contract on Feb. 18.

In four games as Houston’s backup center to P.J. Tucker, Green is averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.3 minutes per game, all while shooting 70.0% from the floor and 61.5% on 3-pointers.

The Rockets (38-20) have won each of those contests by double digits, with Green as a consistent part of the rotation in each game.

Jeff Green has always been one of the more versatile players in the NBA. It’s surprising how he’s never had a home in the league. He can literally do it all. pic.twitter.com/SwwSr4G2OR

— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) February 22, 2020

Moving forward, those lofty percentages won’t be sustainable as the sample size grows. But the versatile big man with scoring prowess does seem to be an ideal fit with Houston’s new small-ball approach, having quickly earned respect and praise from his teammates and coaches.

Mike D’Antoni on how #Rockets newbie Jeff Green has looked:

“Real good. The length, the athleticism. He knows how to play, he’s smart. He’s going to fill a nice role.”

“We’ll see how DeMarre [Carroll] will progress.” Says it’s hard to play everybody when healthy due to depth. pic.twitter.com/vSATFL8rIc

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) February 24, 2020

Green has played at least 18 minutes in 17 of his 34 games for Utah and Houston this season. In those outings, the 33-year-old is averaging 2.0 3-pointers made on 49.3% shooting from behind the arc.

#Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey today announced that the team has signed forward Jeff Green for the remainder of the regular season. Green initially signed a 10-day contract with Houston on Feb. 18. https://t.co/jPkdxo1LD0

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 28, 2020

Green was picked No. 5 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics — who later moved to Oklahoma City. In all, he’s played for nine NBA franchises, with averages of 13.0 points (44.0% shooting, 33.5% on 3-pointers) and 4.4 rebounds in 29.6 minutes per game.

Green and the Rockets return to action with a Saturday night visit to Boston. Tip-off from TD Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central, with the game televised on a national ABC broadcast.

Jeff Green on playing center for HOU: "It's not a challenge. It's just basketball. It's something I've done most of my career. I've done it from my rookie year to now. Playing multiple positions… At the end of the day, it's about playing with confidence, playing with heart." pic.twitter.com/ANw3aXzsY4

— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) February 25, 2020