The Phoenix Suns Should Pair Devin Booker with Jeff Green
After playing big minutes for the Brooklyn Nets last year, Jeff Green dispelled the ongoing assumption that he no longer can provide a valuable spark off the bench after receiving four straight veteran minimum contracts. Looking to stuff his pockets this time around, Phoenix might want indulge him, and set him up with Booker using their mid-level exception.
It’s time for someone…anyone…to pay Jeff Green more than the veteran minimum this summer. 2.6 million?! Gimme a break man. He’s worth way more than that. #Nets
— Rick Kamla (@RickKamlaSports) June 16, 2021
Last year, Green actually started 38 games, his most since the 2018-19 season. He also shot a career-high 41.2 percent from 3-point land, while collectively adding 11.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Additionally, Green shot 48.0 percent on post-up plays, the second most for the Nets last year behind the great Kyrie Irving. He also clocked in at second on the Nets in post-up frequency, behind arguably the game’s greatest scorer at this point, Kevin Durant.
Three-point efficiency and back to the basket scoring remain the two most crucial areas to for Booker to improve on this offseason, and if the Suns bring aboard Green, he can bestow all the insight he clearly carries in each regard onto Booker. Even playing as a back up for Booker along the wing, his veteran presence specifically under these circumstances can help Booker polish his game, whispering in his ear between timeouts and during practice.
At the same time, Green’s 3-point accuracy makes him a deadly floor spacer, certain to help Phoenix’s offense flow at all times. So at the very least, Green opens things up for the Suns to an additional extent next year, making him still an asset for an offensively minded player like Booker.